Richard "RJ" Ward

Richard Jon Ward "RJ", a man with an indelible spirit an easy smile, a beloved husband and father, son, brother, cousin, nephew, grandson, uncle and friend to many, passed peacefully in his sleep at home early on the morning of January 6, 2026.

RJ was born May 14,1978. The first son of the late Richard Ward and Linda Ward. Growing up in Libertyville, IL, RJ was an outgoing, spirited kid who, with his brothers and neighborhood friends, made his presence known. Often seen throwing a football or baseball or feverishly riding bikes down streets and alley ways. RJ was energetic, friendly, and often lovingly described as rambunctious. Together with his two brothers, rough housing became the team sport in the Ward household, often with RJ at the helm, resulting in plenty of knee punctured walls, somersaults down stairways, and bumps and bruises over the years.

RJ inherited his love for sports from his dad, and his team play started early in life with tee ball, little league and Junior High football. Just show him a field, and he wanted to play. RJ attended Libertyville High school where he excelled on the frosh/soph and Varsity football teams - always with his dedicated parents present to cheer him on. Upon graduation, RJ attended Illinois State University where he joined the Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity where he added to his army of friends.

After college, RJ made his home in Chicago and worked his way up to Management at some of Chicago's most renown restaurants. It is here that he met and fell madly in love with his wife, Jamie Grabowski. With Jamie, he met his match. She introduced him to her love of Harley's, which soon became his favorite sport. Side by side, the couple burned miles attending Harley rallies including Sturgis and Rolling to Remember in Washington DC or traversing the open road wherever it might lead.

When their son was born, RJ changed careers to spend more time with his family. Entering a sales career at ABC. They put the kickstand on their Harleys and devoted free time to raise their beloved son RJ, (aka Peanut, RJ3, Bubba, Little man). RJ quickly got busy instilling his love of sports in RJ. The duo reveled in tossing the football, baseball or kicking the soccer ball through an imaginary goal. RJ and little RJ shared an unbreakable bond and a love that was meant for a lifetime. He looked at his son with an abundance of pride, pure joy. And he would often ask "Can you believe he's, my son?" His son was his greatest love and legacy.

RJ is survived by his loving wife, Jamie and his adoring son, RJ; His devoted mother, Linda Ward; brothers; Michael Ward, and Brian Ward (Vicky); a slew of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins: and his loyal kitty, Cesca.

He was preceded in death by his father Richard (Rick) Ward; his grandparents, Ralph and Mary Sue Davis, and Herb and Mae Ward.

RJ, you will be forever missed and never forgotten.

A celebration of life will be held from 3:00 to 7:00 p.m. Friday, January 16, 2026 at Burnett-Dane Funeral Home, 120 W. Park Ave. in Libertyville. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the family as an education fund is being established for his son, RJ. For info: 847-362-3009 or share a memory at www.burnettdane.com.