Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
Add a Memory
Make a Donation
Jimmie Ward Obituary
A public service for Ward, where the community is welcome to come to a microphone to talk about him, will be held Thursday, Feb. 11, at Good Hope Church at 5717 Foothill Blvd. The event will begin with a quiet hour at 7 p.m.
A public funeral will follow on Friday at noon in the same location.
Memories and Condolences
for Jimmie Ward
143 Entries
Margo Rosebrunson
March 23, 2025
I WAS JIMMIES CO HOST OF THURSDAY NIGHT GROWN FOLKS WITH SOULBEAT AL BALLARD MY NAME MARGO ROSE-BRUNSON
David Ward
March 30, 2017
I'm just now seeing these 7 years later. I thank you all for your kind words. His Legacy will not be lost. Stay on top with us FAcebook Jimmie SweetJimmie Ward. This is his Son Sweets much love
Miesha Crowder
February 25, 2010
Always loved and never forgotten.
Naadi Laws
February 25, 2010
Jimmie, words can never express the "pride & Joy" you brought to wretched Oakland...Were we even worthy of your generosity and honesty?
In a world and city filled with hatred and loathing of its governing officials, You were a safe harbor in troubled waters.
I remember the Black Realtors GREAT Breakfast mixers at "sweet jimmies" with Expo Queen Dianne Howell who is also now gone..I will always relish those sweet opportunities you
un-selfishly gave to us All.
Peace & Humility shall Follow You to the Gates of Heaven.
Thank You, sweet jimmie. Thank You.
Larry Payton
February 19, 2010
My father and Jimmie Ward were dear friends for many years. Jimmie led a joyful life, and never met a stranger. He was a colorful man, whose friendship and character will be missed by many in the East Bay community, and especially by his friend Jay Payton.
Mz Gerry
Gerry Francis
February 15, 2010
He was a wonderful guy, and always had something funny to say. I celebrated my 33rd birthday at "Sweet Jimmy's" (many years ago), and what a party it was.. He'll be missed my many.Goodbye my friend rest in peace.
February 15, 2010
I knew Jimmie when he was in his early thirty’s.
At the Lamp Post he was known as “Black Jesus”.
Jimmie’s unique kind hearted character, with a gentle spoken voice persuaded me to continue my education in Business Administration, Finance and Sociology.
Thanks to Jimmie persuading me to continue my education, I now hold a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration.
I will always cherish the beautiful conversations we had about our families.
Below is a poem to the family:
May beautiful memories comfort you in the absence of your Husband/Father.
The love of a real and wonderful Husband/Father enriches our lives and lives on, filling our days with sweet memories, while his presence still lives on…
You will still feel the warmth of his caring… his wisdom will never depart, for the love of a real and wonderful Husband/Father forever lives on in our hearts.
As the Lord Jesus Christ guides you through this transition, may the memories of your Husband/Father and all he meant to you, give you strength and courage and bring you comfort too.
You have our deepest Condolences
H. Marie of Oxnard, CA
James (Jimmie) of Oxnard, CA
Trisha of Oakland, CA
Gwen Ward
February 15, 2010
To the Ward Family,
Extending My Deepest and Heartfelt Sympathy.
May you find comfort in knowing that Sweet Jimmie touched the lives of so many people, and he gave us all a gift of cherish-able memories.
My Deepest Condolences,
PRIYA PATRICK-COLE
February 15, 2010
MAY GOD BE WITH THE WARD FAMILY AT THIS TIME OF BEREAVMENT! GOD KNOWS YOU/WE ALL LOVED THE SWEET SPIRIT OF BRO.JIMMIE & WILL MISS HIM! PEACE&BLESSINGS~
DE'ANDRE & PRIYA COLE
JOSEPH CONWRIGHT
February 14, 2010
Jimmy out all of my years living in Richmond ca i was so proud of you when you open sweet jimmy. I knew that some musician was going to get work. I never got a chance to play for you at sweet jimmy because i was all ways working i thought that i would get a break between jobs that i would be able to play for you but i never got the chance but every chance that i got I did stop by a couple times and saw a show Mightyjo Conwright
annie ratcliff
February 13, 2010
Jimmy I came to your club a number of times and I really enjoyed myself. You showed me love and friendship. God bless your family. You will be greatly MISSED. I'm from New Orleans, La. and all that Southern love filled your place. I was so heart broken when the club closed and even more hearing about you passing. That was the only club that made me feel at home and I didn't have to worry about anything but having a good time.
Joyce
February 13, 2010
The 1st place I lived in Oak was around the corner from Jimmys on 18th. I could always go there and feel at home and offer me something to eat and at his place on San Pablo as well. Miss you Jimmy. Joyce
February 13, 2010
MUCH LOVE JIMMIE MY FAMILY AND I WILL
MISS YOU VERY MUCH. I ENJOYED BEING AT
THE CLUB WINNING THE LIPSYNC CONTEST.
I KNOW YOUR FAVORITE WAS WHEN I DID
CLARENCE CARTER. MUCH LOVE.
BARBARA FROM FLORDIA TAMPA
February 13, 2010
HAD MUCH FUN IN JIMMIES. THE LIPSYNC
CONTEST PROMOTIONS AND THANK YOU FOR
LETTING MY SON HAVE HIS WEDDING RECEPTION AT YOUR CLUB. REST IN PEACE.
MARGARET SIMS
TAMPA FLORIDA
Diane Butler
February 13, 2010
Will miss you Jimmy. Rest in peace and may your family find comfort during this time of loss.
diana bailey
February 13, 2010
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Lakeside sends sincere condolences
Julian Heard
February 12, 2010
ESTELLE FISHER
February 12, 2010
Jimmie will be definitely missed.
EARL PERKINS
February 12, 2010
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
February 12, 2010
RIP Jimmie...You are now at the REAL party! Gotta thank you for providing a young singer the opportunity to get "my chops up", as you would say...I know that I speak for many talented singers and musicians who got their start in the Bay, and got the chance to be seen in a club that represented the best of Bay Area Entertainment, when I say blessings and see you later.
Vickia Brinkley StreetLevelGospel/Oakland
February 12, 2010
God bless the Ward & Sweet Jimmie's families. As you know, Sweet Jimmie is in a better place-no more pain or sorrow. He was a great boss, comedian and most of all, human being.
Kandii Sutton
February 12, 2010
God bless the Ward & Sweet Jimmie's families. As you know, Sweet Jimmie is in a better place-no more pain or sorrow. He was a great boss, comedian and most of all, human being.
February 12, 2010
February 12, 2010
Luzette Stevenson
February 12, 2010
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
February 11, 2010
February 11, 2010
February 11, 2010
February 11, 2010
February 11, 2010
February 11, 2010
Don (Cowboy) Mitchell
February 11, 2010
Thank you for letting me be a part of your extended family. You will always hold a special place in my heart. God bless and may you rest in peace. DJ Don (cowboy) Mitchell.
February 11, 2010
jimmy's baseball team
jean
February 11, 2010
jean braxton
February 11, 2010
MAMIE ADAIR
February 11, 2010
February 11, 2010
SWEET JIMMIE'S THE GANG
February 11, 2010
WE LOVE YOU WARD FAMILY THE GANG
February 11, 2010
MY LONG LIFE BEST FRIEND FROM THE
LAMPPOST AND EVERY CLUB BEST FRIENDS
FOR EVER. MAMIE ADAIR
Venita
February 11, 2010
My thoughts and prayers are with the Ward Family. I can remember many Friday nights after work, nice cold beer, fried fish ...
Sweets you will be missed.
"One of Our Many Celebrations Captured at Sweet Jimmies"
Michael & Abby Clewis
February 11, 2010
To the Ward Family, our thoughts and prayers are with you. Contiue to trust in the Lord and allow him to see you through the quiet moments. Michael and I will always hold a special place in our hearts for "Sweet Jimmies" for it was the place where we first met.
Rujena Palmer-Davis
February 11, 2010
To the family of Sweet Jimmie: Jimmie was an icon in Oakland. He helped most of us working for Pacific Bell and AT&T survive and make it through some tough days on the job. Just being able to go on lunch hour, and after work to enjoy his company and the atmosphere was so relaxing. My prayers go out to the family in this time of loss. The comminity has lost a very good person.
Pearl Fenn
February 11, 2010
I'm sad to hear about the passing of Sweet Jimmie. I will cherish all the good times we had at his establishment.
May God bless and keep his family at this time of breavement. REST IN PEACE Jimmie.
Crystal
February 11, 2010
February 11, 2010
May God rest your soul. May your family find warmth in the many memories they hold of you. I had a lot of fun in Sweet Jimmie's. Thank you for the good times.
S. Bailey
February 11, 2010
To the family of Sweet Jimmie,
May God comfort your hearts in your time of sorrow. You're in my thoughts and prayers
Rena Anderson
February 11, 2010
Continue to hold on to God's unchanging hand during your time of need. I am praying with you and for you.
February 11, 2010
We all from the old school miss the "Lampost" days and the off times at the "Grove Street" club during the transistion days. The good old Baseball days at the Park....the bus to the Raider games, where you was always the "OrangeCrush". There is no one that can copy or try to repeat the days of your past of doing things enjoyable and never having to have trouble or shootings......
Jean Braxton
February 11, 2010
To Sweet Jimmies Family, may God give you the strengh to get
through this difficult time. Had many good times at Sweet Jimmies
a very safe place to party.
Janice Berkeley, Ca
Michon Johnson
February 11, 2010
RIP Jimmy had lots of good times @ you spot and lots of good memories you will be missed! Bless your soul and I keep you Family in Prayer.
Marilyn Thomas
February 11, 2010
My condolences to the Ward Family.
NEE NEE OUTLAND
February 11, 2010
REST IN PEACE NOW SWEET JIMMIE , GO UP THERE IN HEAVEN AND HAVE A NIGHTCLUB FOR THE PARTY PEOPLE, WHO CAME TO PARTY AND NOT ACT A FOOL. GOING MISS YOU, SEE YOU ON THE OTHER SIDE!!!!
Mark & Bridgette Wainwright
February 11, 2010
Hello Big Pretty Papa,
Thanks for the good memories. I'll always remember you said "you can't buy her". See you on the other side.
Ollan & Zakiya Bell
February 11, 2010
May God give the family strength in their time of need. You have our deepest sympathy.
I Pico
February 11, 2010
R I P Sweet Jimmy! You did alot for the Oakland community and you will never be forgotten! Thanks for all the good times and good food @ Jimmies! We love & miss you. God Bless the family! Keep ya head up Dave (Sweets) One Love!
Juanita Wilson
February 11, 2010
Rest in Peace my friend, we had lots of fun, Gone but not forgotten. We will miss you.
Audrey E
February 11, 2010
God Bless the family and Linda during this difficult time. Be strong, for he surely was. Rest In Peace, Jimmie.
Sheial Johnson
February 11, 2010
Such a sweet man RIP
February 11, 2010
May you find peace knowing that "Sweet Jimmie" was a good kind and loving man, please God give you all the strength to bear this loss.
Bernadette Montgomery
Monica Gardner
February 11, 2010
Jimmie's was the place in Oakland to kick it with your girls, have a few drinks and have a blast. I can recall many amazing times that we had there, including the night I met my husband! ;-)
Jimmie, you were the best and you will be missed! Rest in peace.
Hattie Wilson-Brown
February 11, 2010
We always had a good time at "Sweet Jimmies". Alllll the way from Marin County. RIP Sweets.
Carl Jones
February 11, 2010
God Bless Him! He was a very nice man.
Richard Lane
February 11, 2010
Most preachers don't talk about their past, or 'pre-saved' days, but IMMA TELL THE TRUTH AND SHAME THE DEVIL!!! I remember when Sweet Jimmie's first opened in 87', and Lord knows I put many a dent in 'Orange Juice Bottles"! I am certain when Jimmie first opened this Club he would have never known it and he would become a staple in the land-set of Bay Area Entertainment. Looking back beyond the negative, I am certain that Sweet Jimmie was responsible for many a heavenly hook-up, positive relationships, marriages as well as the Pro-creation of many children. Sweet Jimmie only wanted people to enjoy themselves and have a venue that promoted entertainment, fun and positive interaction despite what others may have thought and done. May Almighty God continue to bless the Soul of Sweet Jimmie and may he find eternal Peace and Rest with the Lord. May the Comfort of the Holy Spirit continue to be with the family and many friends who now mourn the earthly loss of Brother Ward, and may we all be consoled in the hope that we all might meet again, in the Heavenly Kingdom one day. God's continued Blessings to you all.
PETE ESCOVEDO
February 11, 2010
Thank you for sharing music in Oakland. We will miss you.
Love THE ESCOVEDO FAMILY
Girls Nite Out was always SAFE at Jimmie's
Andrea Jacobs
February 10, 2010
Well David, I guess we have to keep it LIFE from this day on; I know Jimmie would want it that way. Your Father did give us all FUN, LAUGHTER and a place to enjoy Adult Good Times and be able to DRESS and DANCE! To you and your family I celebrate Jimmie's Home Going. Luv Ya Jimmie
From Gwen and Andrea
Wilma Charles
February 10, 2010
To David and the Family of "SWEET JIMMIE" our love and prayers go out to you in your time of need. May God fill you with the courage to go on and the wonderful memories of Sweet Jimmie's. We will always remember him and the wonderful times spent at the RABBIT COOK OFFs, LAMP POST and SOFTBALL FIELDS. HE WILL ALWAY BE IN our HEARTS and SOUL. Rest in Peace SWEET JIMMIE JOB WELL DONE!!!!!
LOVE ALWAYS
WILMA JEAN and Sharon Charles
Shirleymae
February 10, 2010
Sweet Jimmie will truly be missed. He was always so nice, friendly & full of laughter. I really enjoyed doing the electric slide at Sweet Jimmie's and he assisted me with giving my Big "40" birthday party at his club. Lots of fun times, with great people.
God Bless his family.
Lots of Love!
Shirleymae.......fr Oakland
Clomon Family
February 10, 2010
The Family of James "Kicker" Clomon would like to offer our condolences to the family. As my father would often sing "One Day at a Time" is all we can ask. Our prayers are with you & God Bless.
Mack Glenn
February 10, 2010
Celebrating a life well lived. We will cherish the memories forever.
February 10, 2010
I'M REALLY MISSING YOU JIMMIE RIGHT
NOW. I'M LOOKING AT SOME OLD SOULBEAT
TAPES OF JIMMIES PRIME TIME LIVE. THE
LIP SYNC CONTEST. BARBARA FROM FLORIDA
SENDS OR LOVE AND CONDOLENCES TO THE
FAMILY ODABO JIMMIE IT MEANS GOOD BYE
TIL I SEE YOU AGAIN. MUCH LOVE
CO-HOST OF JIMMIES PRIME TIME LIVE
MARGO ROSE-BRUNSON.
Jesse Jones
February 10, 2010
Wow. What a shock. My condolences to Linda, David and the Family. I started with Big J at the Lamppost and stayed with him thru all the clubs. The most exciting was on 18th st during the earthquake,whew!! Made lots of friends and had great times the rest of the way. One thing about it, you could not come to Oakland and say you had a good time without stopping in 'Sweet Jimmies"....RIP
Barbara Barnes
February 10, 2010
My Condolences to the Ward family may God Bless you all. I had many great times at Sweet Jimmies and he will be greatly missed.
Marisa Stallworth
February 10, 2010
David,
Our prayers and condolences go out to you and your entire family in this time of need.
Stallworth's
February 10, 2010
Pat
February 10, 2010
To Sweet Jimmie's Family,
My condolences to the entire Ward family. I was reflecting on all of the good times and many friends I met while partying at the "#1 grown folks club". Sweet Jimmie always greeted us with a smile and we could always count on something good to eat and having a great time. Precious memories oh how they linger. He will be greatly missed. Thanks for the memories and the good times. RIP Sweet Jimmie!!
Lorraine Jolivet
February 10, 2010
Our prayers and condolences are with the Family of "Sweet Jimmie". He was our father's greatest friend. Jimmie will be greatly missed. Sincerely, the Jolivet family.
Patricia Bridges-Whitfield
February 10, 2010
Linda and David and the rest of the Ward family, Jimmie will truly be missed. He was a light in the lives of many. I found myself watching his dvd this morning and getting a chuckle. Yes Jimmie still had it and there was no doubt about it. My prayers go out to all you in your time of sorrow.
Patricia Bridges-Whitfield
February 10, 2010
Prayers to the family of the Legend himself Mr. SWEET JIMMIE Ward...
My heart aches to hear this, but know that he's in his cabaret up above now. I use to Lip Sync there every Thursday night. Thanks for the memories.
Denise
February 10, 2010
To Linda & David & Family
My condolences, Can not count how many great times I had at Sweet Jimmies. We have lost a Great Man.
Michet Sylvester,
Berkeley,California
February 10, 2010
My prayers and condolences to the family and many friends of "Sweet Jimmie." I found a picture that I took November 17th 2003 with Jimmie at the club during the time that I uses to travel back and forth to the bay area on business. Jimmie's was always my first stop at the end of the day.
"JW" will be missed.
Tommy Roberts/Los Angeles, CA
Tania Hill
February 10, 2010
Our deepest condolences to the Ward Family and our thoughts and prayers are with you. ~ Tania & Aryanna Hill
Walter Slater
February 10, 2010
To Linda and David and the rest of the Ward family you have my deepest condolenses. Jimmy was a dear friend and he will be greatly missed. He was the Godfather of my kids and a friend for over forty years. Rest in peace my friend you deserve it.I feel blessed for having known such a good person such as youself. Walter Slater and family.
Kelly Ayres
February 10, 2010
My prayers go to the Family of "Sweet Jimmie". He created a fun and exciting environment for us to hang out and mingle creating many fond memories at his night club. He was truly an icon for the Oakland/ Bay Area. He will be missed more than anyone can express. Thanks for the good times Jimmie!
JAMES HEEDLEY
February 10, 2010
FROM OUR HEART TO YOURS. THE HEEDLEY FAMILY
james cox
February 10, 2010
I would like to express my deepest condolences to the ward family,I got out of the army in 1992,came by to see jimmy,met my wife robin.
Thanks for the memories
James & Robin Cox
Sunnyvale,Ca
February 9, 2010
To the Ward Family you have our condolenses. We all will miss Jimmie but know he is at peace. Jimmie was a great man. John and Jean Andrews(Atwater, CA)
John & Jean Andrews
February 9, 2010
To the Ward Family you have our condolenses. We all will miss Jimmie but know he is at peace. Jimmie was a great man. John and Jean Andrews(Atwater, CA)
libbie
February 9, 2010
my love and sympathy goes to the family Sweet Jimmie will be missed by all may god bless you.he was a beautiful person
February 9, 2010
May God Bless you and your family. On behalf of the late Louis Jackson(lil brother)Jimmie was a wonderful person. I go back a long way. The baseball games,round robin, and the Western dance at the IMBA hall. He will be greatly missed by many. He enjoyed life and peoples. Stay strong Carrie Griffin (lil sister). The name Jimmie gave me long time ago.
Janis Anderson
February 9, 2010
I wish to send prayers to Sweet Jimmie's family and many, many friends. I will always remember his smile, and rolling laughter, kindness and I may be telling my age, but the round robin's all of the black owned clubs held and the annual celebration he held serving dishes such as alligator. He was a special man and I've know him and been friends for over 40 years. Be strong and know that he is at a better party place now.
Janis (JayeBird) Anderson - Seattle, WA. now.
Brenda Poole
February 9, 2010
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
February 9, 2010
We love you David and we are praying for you. Our deepest sympathy for your lost. Remember, keep God first and if need anything we are here fro you.
Cousins for life,
Lanita Mims and The Hall Family
SHIELA TRUSO
February 9, 2010
To the Ward Family,
Jimmie will be missed dearly. He had acknowledged various people in the Bay Area and gave them the opportunity to perform their talents in his Club "Sweet Jimmies", That was a club never to be forgotten I have great memories of Jimmie and many Bay Area entertainments. My condolence and God Bless.
Mozell Quarles
February 9, 2010
To the Ward Family,
I started coming to the Lampost and then Sweet Jimmie's. I have never not had a great time at the club surronded by Jimmie and his great staff. Jimmie was so good to us and he will really be missed.
God Bless you and keep you strong.
Sarah Patterson
February 9, 2010
My deepest sympathy of your lost loved one. My prayers are with you Linda and the family.
Love Home Girl!!!
Myra Gaudet
February 9, 2010
Sincere condolences to Sweet Jimmie's family and friends. What a great guy, truly one of Oakland's treasures. He'll be missed and remembered always.
Terrence Boyd. PM
February 9, 2010
David:
Our Prayers of comfort and consolation are with you and your family. We're here to support you in the loss of your father a Great entertainment industry icon here in Oakland, who created great and fun memory's for so many generations of folk, for so many years.
Peace...
Your Brothers at:
Ujima Lodge #35 F.& A.M.
Glyndle Smith
February 9, 2010
We Love you and our prayers are with you Rev. Steven Conley and family.
The Rose Family David, Sadie, Tiny, Renee, Ashley, and Katrina
Dean. Brown
February 9, 2010
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
Ty
February 9, 2010
My prayers are with you Derrick & Michelle & your family.
Showing 1 - 100 of 143 results
Make a Donation
in Jimmie Ward's name
How to support Jimmie's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Jimmie Ward's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more