Jeremy Joseph Ward

2002 - 2022

Jeremy Joseph (JJ) Ward, 19, passed away after an eight-month journey with leukemia the evening of May 11, 2022 at home in Millville surrounded by his family. JJ was born in Logan, Utah on October 30, 2002 to Jeremy and Darcie Ward. He attended Cache County schools and graduated from Ridgeline High School in May 2021.

JJ loved being outdoors. He immersed himself in nature by kayaking and cliff diving in the summer and igloo camping in the winter. What started as delight from climbing huge trees when he was young, became the exhilaration of mapping his body to the next, beckoning boulder. In his more relaxed moments, JJ enjoyed playing frisbee golf and chillin' (often times thrillin') on his longboard with friends.

During middle school and high school, JJ learned discipline and teamwork playing lacrosse. During high school, he was on the swim team and transitioned from lacrosse to rock climbing. JJ's manual dexterity extended beyond rock crags to ceramics and woodworking. He often used his talent to help with home remodeling and construction projects.

To raise money for lacrosse, JJ's first job was selling concessions at USU athletic events. While working as a lifeguard, JJ's physical fitness, concern for others' safety, and ability to remain calm served swimmers well. Most recently, JJ worked at JW Health Insurance with his dad. As the quintessential happy helper, much of JJ's work was unpaid. While the family lived in River Heights, JJ gladly shoveled neighbors' driveways and sidewalks sometimes from morning until night. JJ was grateful for his abilities and readily acted on opportunities to help others.

JJ was a member of the Boy Scouts of America and earned the rank of Eagle Scout upon completion of a considerately planned and kindly executed service project. He obtained several used bicycles in need of repair. After he and his dad repaired the bicycles, JJ donated them to a local recovery center. As a result, several people who had lost their driver's license had access to transportation. JJ was a faithful member and an ordained Elder in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Christ's light shined through JJ's loving spirit and joyful service.

JJ's quest for adventure and spontaneity generated continuous fun for his family and friends. Never one to waste time being idle or let obstacles deter him, JJ found creative ways to involve everyone in entertaining diversions. Especially during outdoor adventures with family and friends, JJ's smile radiated impish delight.

JJ was a committed and loyal friend. He didn't talk a lot, but he did listen. He sensed when people needed a lift and made time for them. His easy-going, accepting manner was reassuring to everyone around him. JJ's friends appreciated his sincerity, sense of humor, and endless optimism. They were especially grateful for his example of courage and faith.

As the middle child and only boy, JJ was playmate, protector, and best friend for his two sisters. When family members got a little grumpy, JJ applied sensible humor to keep everyone focused on what's really important. Even on his hardest days when he couldn't speak, JJ used funny facial expressions to comfort his family and nurses. We would like to thank JJ's doctors and nurses at LDS Hospital and his home health care nurse for their knowledgeable, persistent, and compassionate care.

Just as our spirited warrior fearlessly and fully experienced this life, he faithfully and bravely transitioned to the next. We are so grateful for timely assurances from God that JJ's spirit lives on and will continue to live on through his example. Like JJ, we must strive to be happy, helpful, and faithful. In all of life's cliffs and crags, edges and ventures, we need to pull ourselves up when we fumble, be fully present, see possibilities, and seize opportunities. To all of the rock climbers JJ taught and they in turn taught, we hope you will ascend with JJ in your hearts.

JJ is survived by his parents, Jeremy and Darcie Ward; sisters, Madison and Iola Ward; grandparents, Judy Ward, Christine and John Williams, and Lynn and Roxie Hancey. He is also survived by many uncles, aunts, and cousins. JJ was preceded in death by his grandfather, Dennis Ward.

To honor JJ's memory, we invite family and friends to join us at Von Baer Park (350 E Center St, Providence, UT) for a viewing and celebration of his life on Friday, May 20, 2021 from 6 to 8 p.m. For those who would like, bring a photo or memento to place on JJ's tree.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, May 21, 2022 at 11 a.m., with a viewing beforehand from 10 to 10:45 a.m. The church address is 360 E 450 N, Millville, UT. Interment will be at the Providence Cemetery on a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in JJ's name to https://wasatchadaptivesports.org/donate.

Arrangements are entrusted to the care of Allen-Hall Mortuary (435) 752-3245.