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James Ward Obituary
York Twp. - The Rev. James "Jim" E. Ward, 86, passed through the gates at 6:56 AM Wednesday, March 25, 2020, at his home. He was the husband of Ruth A. (McRoberts) Ward for 65 years.
Born in Brownfield, Texas on Oct. 29, 1933, to Sircy and Edith (Fults) Ward, Jim is survived by his wife, Ruth, daughter, Kay Baldwin (Carl), and their children, Jenny (John), Doug, Laura (Kurt) and Katy (Ettore), of York, son, David Ward (Jennifer), and their children, James and Jeffrey, of LaVergne, Tennessee, daughter, Julia Beth Grim (Brian), and their children, Melissa, Joel, Andrew and Abigail, of Maryland, son, Dr. Roger Ward (Elaine) and their children, Rachel and Kara, of Georgetown, Kentucky; sister, Mary Landrum, of Red Oak, Texas, brother, Kenneth Ward (Charlene), of San Antonio, Texas, brother, Don Judd (Martha), of Amarillo, Texas; 13 great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.
Jim is a graduate of Moody Bible Institute, Baylor University and Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. He retired from pastoring Temple Baptist Church after 34 years in 2001. He was a member of Faith Fellowship of York County. He was a member of the South York Optimist Club.
Jim's goal in life was to serve the Lord in service to the church and people. He took advantage of every opportunity to render faithful service to others.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Jim and Ruth Ward Scholarship Fund of The Baptist Seminary of Kentucky, 400 E. College St., Georgetown, Ky., 40324, or Faith Fellowship of York, 530 Mulberry St., York, Pa., 17403.
Following a private family interment ceremony, a celebration of life service for the community will be held at a later date, and will be announced.
Workinger Semmel Funeral Homes and Cremation, 849 East Market Street, York, is in charge of the arrangements.
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To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for James Ward
Sponsored by InYork.com.
Ed Stockton
September 13, 2021
I was part of a band called The Phoenix. In the early 70's Jim and Ruth hosted us at their house and arranged assemblies at several local schools to perform an "anti-drug" program intended to entice the students to a weekend concert at a local mall where we could fully preach the Gospel. Many kids found Christ through this innovative plan of Jim's. But I was most impacted by watching Jim and Ruth interact with their kids while we stayed with them. I was married soon after, and the example of the Ward family informed and inspired the raising of my kids, all of whom now follow Christ and one of whom is a pastor! This year we moved to Harrisburg and I thought I would search for this dear family. I see I'm too late to thank Jim on this side. But I'm sure he will be blessed to see how many lives he indirectly influenced just through us alone. Well done, good and faithful servant. I am thrilled that you finished strong!
Rev Eller
April 3, 2020
Im a Tyler UMC friend of the McRoberts family. Recall the Tyler reunion several years ago. Rev Jim was so outgoing and friendly to everyone, even though this was not his growing up church. Ruthie as she known at Tyler, left for Moody College. During her college years, she met Jim. Their college romance led to marriage, one of lifes greatest story of love and devotion. This is a memory gift to all of us and one to share.
MaryAnn Albright
March 31, 2020
Pastor Jim didn't just read the scriptures, he lived the scriptures. I remember someone coining the phrase - Jim is the same on Monday through Saturday as he is on Sunday. I would be remiss if I didn't add John 3:16 here. For God so loved the world and gave His only begotten Son, for whosoever believeth in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.
Thank you Jim Ward for the lesson you taught me and my family. You lived the great commission and my family and I are eternally blessed. A hole is in our hearts but until we meet again.
Tim Jowanowitch
March 30, 2020
Loving, compassionate, consistent, humble, wise, self sacrificing. All these words describe a man known to me my entire life. He embodied the greatest command of loving God and lent action to his faith by loving others. He was a teacher, encourager, comforter, and a great friend. Jim led me to Christ so I am eternally grateful to him and so thankful for the influence he had on my life( and my family). He was a blessing and I pray God's peace and comfort on Ruth and his entire family.
John & Sherry Marshall
March 30, 2020
This Man made a Difference in my Life. His kind Heart could leave you with another Spiritual Lift whenever He Spoke. Sherry and I were blessed with knowing the Truth He always Presented. Watched his wonderful family grow over the years, topped off with his help mate Ruth. When Heavens Gate opened for Him we just feel all the Joy as he crossed the Bar.
March 30, 2020
To :The Ward Family,
It's hard to understand why people are taken
from us, but find comfort in knowing you were
a special part of a well-lived life. You're in my thoughts, my heart, and my prayers.
Pauline Olsen
Tina (LeMaster)
March 28, 2020
Jim was a great preacher at Temple Baptist, who will be sorely missed. He was an amazing man of God. I remember all the things he did at the church when something needed done. He is home and rejoicing with his Lord. He will be missed but will live on in the hearts and memories of all who knew. My deepest condolences go to Ruth and her family.
Wayne Morris
March 28, 2020
Pastor Jim was a tremendously gifted man who blessed others by his presence. All could see God's aura when he spoke to you with love and compassion. We sure could use more like this fine fine christian man. We'll shake hands and hug before long. We all that knew him, just loved the guy. Precious memories last as long as we do, and he'll be in our hearts... always.
Kathy Vaughan
March 28, 2020
Another angel has earned his wings! Sending my condolences to the family at this time. Thank you for the many wonderful childhood memories at Temple Baptist!
Ginger Wolf
March 27, 2020
Jim was my pastor, my mentor, and my friend. He was a man who practiced what he preached in his everyday life. He will be sorely missed here on earth, but will be a great addition to Heaven!
Love, Ginger Wolf
Darlene Tenney
March 27, 2020
Jim was such a blessing to all my family. I know his presence will be missed by hundreds but we rejoice knowing where he is. May all the family be comforted and recall beautiful memories of a wonderful man of God.
Don & Gayle Sanders & Family
March 27, 2020
It was with heartfelt sadness that we read of Jim's passing onto glory, yet, rejoicing for him to be in the presence of His Saviour, who he diligently served. He was a blessing to Don, Brian, & I and a multitude of others . His presence will be missed, his legacy is ongoing!
Linda Ranker
March 27, 2020
I am fortunate to have known Pastor Jim and Ruth and they both have made an impact on my life for which I am very grateful. My sympathy to Ruth and family.
Linda Ranker
Dorothea Adams
March 27, 2020
My Sympathies to Ruth and the Family I have known Jim Ward since the committee I was on called him to be our Pastor back in 1967. and Ruth and the family came to York , Jim was a Godly man that cared about people He was a down to earth Pastor that blessed us all for thirty four years that he preached, Plus the times he filled in at Faith Fellowship . Jim reached out to everyone , was loved by many , Offered his one car to people that needed a car while their car was in the garage
Jim was a very good pastor . He always said Don't go with what I am preaching , Read your Bible with me and let the Lord speak to you . Jim became like family to us and so did his wife Ruth and their children.
If anyone had a need Jim was there. Repairing things, installing windows and many other things . Plus being the best Pastor around and we knew where he got his personality after we met Sircy and Edith.Jim was a blessing to many . Sure will miss getting phone calls . He loved My husband Tom's guitar playing. And he always said when he sees Tom up there in Heaven he will be playing his guitar.
Charles Teague
March 27, 2020
Through my long life, there have been few who I always looked forward to being with, fewer still who always left me feeling blessed. Such was Jim Ward, a wise and caring friend and colleague. Rarely have I known someone so positive, so sensitive to the needs of others. Truly, he walked each day with his Lord.
Wade and
March 26, 2020
Pastor Ward was a great human being. He never had an unkind word to say about anyone. He officiated our wedding on January 8th, 2011. Jim, you will be sorely missed, but never forgotten. You will live on in the hearts of all who love you. Heaven gained its newest Angel. May you forever rest in peace in the hands of The Creator. God bless you.
Julie (Alloway) Kline
March 26, 2020
My condolences to the entire family. I remember coming to Temple Baptist, as a kid, and listening to Jim preach. He was always so funny and such a kind soul. He baptized me when I was about 10. I still remember the tank and how cool it looked with all the lights out in the church. RIP Jim. You will be missed.
Ken Gibson
March 26, 2020
Jim was a man of God and it was my honor to know him Dr Ken Gibson Keystone Bible Institute we will keep Ruth in our prayers Jim is with his Lord whom he loved and served well done thou good and faithful servant
Tracy Elphick
March 26, 2020
My deepest sympathy and prayers to the entire family
Ed Bennett
March 26, 2020
Ruth we are so sorry to hear of Jims passing. Knowing he is with the Lord is of great comfort to you and your family. Trena and I have always had the greatest respect for Jim and you and always will. If we can help in any way please ask. I will always remember the fun Jim and I had working around the church. We loved him !!
March 26, 2020
Many memories of Jim as our Pastor at Temple Baptist Church. The most important of which is when he married us in February 2000. Our thoughts and prayers are with Ruth and family. Barry and Linda Shumaker
Bob & Doris Green
March 26, 2020
Jim was a wonderful man. One to be admired and respected. He will be missed by many.
Cindy & Mike Mackley
March 26, 2020
Jim was a kind , gentle, loving, and intelligent person. Also a leader among many. Will be missed greatly.
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