John-Christopher Ward

1954 - 2024

John-Christopher Ward's spirit and body separated on March 16, 2024. He lived most of his life in New Orleans, and knew and loved her dearly. He was born May 1, 1954, to a Cajun mother and Scot-Irish father. He was devoted to the culinary arts, to words, to books, to music, especially jazz and Cajun. He traveled extensively and made friends with ease. He worked as a waiter in many of the better restaurants in town, and owned a few himself. He was known for a broad and deep knowledge of countless topics, with a remarkable memory for what he learned, and was a great and entertaining source of local history. Conversation was his lifeblood, and all who sat at his table, tasted his cooking, and joined in talk with him were enriched. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Lerah Allen, his mother, Willa Mae Hanks, his father, Johnny Ward, and his brother, Kevin Ward. His sisters, Susan and Stephanie Ward, miss him very much, as do brothers-in-law Michael Barrett and Joe Mandarino, and nieces, nephews, and hundreds of friends. Think of him, smile, and offer a toast.