James Thomas "Jim" Ward

James "Jim" Thomas Ward, 66, of Columbus, passed away on January 10, 2026, surrounded by
family.
He was born on March 3, 1959 to the late Gerald and Verlyn (née Chmielewski) Ward.
Jim was a lifelong farmer, and the land was not just his livelihood but his purpose. He took great pride
in running "Honest Jim's Corn Sales" with the help of his niece, Erin Podgorski, carrying on a tradition
built on hard work and integrity. Farming wasn't just what Jim did-it was who he was.
Outside the fields, Jim found joy in the simple pleasures of life. He enjoyed trips to the casino, where
he liked to play blackjack, but nothing compared to his weekly poker games with the guys in the
barn-times filled with laughter, friendly competition, and lasting memories.
Above all else, Jim's legacy is his generosity. He would go out of his way to help anyone and took
genuine joy in making others smile. His kindness, generosity, and easygoing spirit left a lasting
impression on everyone who knew him, and he could make anyone laugh. Jim was truly blessed with
great friends and family, and he treasured every moment spent in their company. His legacy lives on
in the lives he touched and the friendships he held so dear.
Jim is survived by his loving wife of 42 years, Peggy (née Naeyaert); his daughters, Kelly (James)
Skokna, Christy (Joseph) Henninger, and Karen (Jake) Warner; and his adored grandchildren, Lucas
and Jack Skokna, Clare Henninger, and Sawyer and Michael Warner.
He is also survived by his sisters, Kathryn (Charles) Peace and Sheila Zauner, and his brother,
Richard (Marian) Ward; his sisters-in-law, Charlotte Ward, Rebecca Jagoda, Jennifer (Ed)
Shoobridge, Rochelle (Carl) Wessel, Michelle (Jeff) Steffen, Kathleen Naeyaert, and Mildred (George)
Hamblin; and his brothers-in-law, Lawrence (Colleen) Naeyaert, Jacob (Vicki) Naeyaert, and Joseph
(Heather) Naeyaert, as well as many cherished nephews, nieces, and cousins.
He was preceded in death by his daughter, Samantha; his brothers, Michael Ward and Gerald (Jay)
Ward; his parents; his in-laws, Lawrence and Margaret Naeyaert; and his brothers-in-law, Thomas
Zauner and Eugene Jagoda Jr.
The family honors the memory of Jim and invites you to visit and share memories Tuesday from 2:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Kaatz Funeral Directors, Richmond, with rosary devotion/scripture services at 7:00 p.m. Rite of Christian Burial will be 11:00 a.m. Wednesday at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Catholic Church, with 10:30 a.m. visiting. Fr. Anthony Sulkowski, pastor will officiate. Burial will be in St. Philip Neri Cemetery.
Memorials are suggested to "Wishes of the Family".