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Williamsburg Funeral Home
Williamsburg Funeral Home
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06/11/1940 – 04/10/2020
Saluda
Funeral Services
Due to the COVID-19 restrictions, a private burial service will be held at Mount Hope Cemetery in Greeleyville, SC.
Memorials
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in memory of James Lamar Ward to St. Williams Catholic Church at 1199 Ridge Spring Highway, Ward, SC 29166.
James “Jimmy” Lamar Ward, 79, of Saluda, SC, passed away on April 10, 2020, in Greenwood, SC after a long illness.
Jimmy was born in Florence County, SC, on June 11, 1940, son of the late Haskell Lamar Ward and Lucille Lowder Ward. He attended Kingstree High School and graduated from Clemson University.
He married Patricia Ann Ward (née Joseph) on July 23, 1966, in Charleston, SC.
Jimmy worked in many positions for Milliken & Company, including as production superintendent; owned The Wardrobe, Inc., a retail clothing store; worked for Diversey Corporation/DuBois Chemical Company as an account executive; and served as Executive Director of the Saluda County Economic Development Board, for which he received the Outstanding Service Award for Economic Development from the South Carolina House of Representatives. He also served as a Lieutenant in the South Carolina Army National Guard.
He gave generously of his time to numerous professional and civic organizations, including the Piedmont Technical College Board of Visitors, the Clemson Extension Service Advisory Board, Clemson University Palmetto Leadership, the Saluda Arts Council, and Junior Achievement.
Jimmy was a passionate Clemson Tigers fan, an avid golfer, and always the first person on the dance floor. He was kind, generous, and a poet at heart. He never spent a night away from home unless it was absolutely necessary and loved spending time with his family – especially his grandsons, who brought him so much joy and laughter.
In addition to his parents, Jimmy was preceded in death by a brother, Lajoe George Ward, and a sister, Adelle Ward Gamble.
Jimmy is survived by his wife, Patricia Joseph Ward; his children, Leslie Ward Fletcher of Greenville, SC and James Lamar (Mason) Ward, Jr. of Mt. Pleasant, SC; his brother, Johnny Hugh Ward of Kingstree, SC; and grandchildren, James Lamar Ward, III and Drury Benjamin Ward of Mt. Pleasant, SC.
Due to the COVID-19 restrictions, a private burial service will be held at Mount Hope Cemetery in Greeleyville, SC. Arrangements are by Williamsburg Funeral Home in Kingstree, SC.
Many thanks to Regina and to Karen and Katherine with Sheppard’s Helping Hands for the exceptional care, kindness, and support they provided Jimmy and his family. Also, special thanks to Katharine Few with the Prisma Health Center for Success in Aging, the doctors and nurses at Self Regional, and the staff at Hospice & Palliative Care of the Piedmont.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in memory of James Lamar Ward to St. Williams Catholic Church at 1199 Ridge Spring Highway, Ward, SC 29166.
Johnny Hugh and family, I am so sorry to read of Jimmy’s passing. He and I were in the same graduating class at KHS and he was always so energetic and fun loving. Praying for Jimmy’s family.
My fondest memory of uncle Jimmy was at Hailey’s and Jeff’s wedding he said let me show y’all how to party and he danced and he danced all night long .My mom & Uncle Jimmy out there shagging and Chris trying to keep up, lol.
Patricia and family, I am so sorry to hear about Jimmy’s death. I know what you are going through. My dear Don passed away just two weeks ago. We, too, were permitted ten family members at his service. Sadly present circumstances do not allow getting together with friends during these sad times. You re in my thoughts and prayers now and in the difficult days ahead.
With thoughts and prayers for each one of Jimmy’s family and to Johnny Hugh .
My thoughts and prayers are with you all. I have good memories of working with Jimmy at Milliken. He always had something funny going on with a big smile on his face. May he rest in peace.
Patricia, Leslie and Jay,
We read James’s obituary with great sadness. The Ward family is so warm and outgoing and we had the pleasure of spending time with you when Jay and our son were at the Citadel. James was quite the gentleman and made anything fun. We regret that we did not keep in closer contact through the years. Please know you are in our thoughts and prayers in the sad days ahead. You lost a wonderful gentleman but have beautiful memories to comfort you.
My condolences to the family in the loss of Jimmy. We grew up as neighbors and the Ward family and ours were always friends! Even though he was a few years older than me, he always offered to help me anytime he saw me struggling with anything!
He was one of my sports idles because he always had a positive attitude whether winning or loosing!
Very sincerely,
David McCutchen
You are all in our thoughts and prayers. Jimmy and Patricia have been the perfect neighbors, we will certainly miss Jimmy!!
love, thoughts and prayers to Jimmy’s loving family and friends from the family of the late Smith and Edna Lowder of Lake City,SC ,,Mavis L McKnight,Ned Lowder, Nancy L Norman, Cheryl L Cook,Kaye L N Lee and Steve Lowder
Tricia, the name that will always be with me, I was so sorry to hear about the passing away of Jimmy. I feel your grief for losing him, your pain for wondering why, and your profound love that will be so well received by God that another star will shine for an eternity. My love to you and your children.
Patricia, You and your Family will be in our hearts and prayers during this time of loss. Love you! May our Heavenly Father guide and keep you as you face this difficult time!
Patricia , Leslie and Jay, We were saddened to hear about James’s death, although we knew he was not well. He was a super gentleman and one who has remained in our thoughts through the years. James was witty and full of life. From wading through through floods to pick up chicken for Citadal football tailgating to buying quality paint for the knobs to paint the battalion steps. When we remember the fun week-ends at the Citadel, the wonderful Ward family comes to mind. May God provide strength to each of you in the weeks ahead.
Our love and prayers,
The Bentons
I am sorry for your loss. You have my deepest sympathy.
Your Family are in Our Thoughts and Prayers
Jerry and Brenda Pow
Patricia, I found out about your loss last night. I am so sorry, and pray that you will find peace and
comfort in our Lord, Jesus Christ.
I also extend my sympathy to Jay, Leslie, and the grandchildren.
God bless you all.
Patricia, so sorry to learn about James’s passing. It’s been a very long time since we’ve seen all of you but have thought of you often. Our thoughts and prayers are with you, Jay, Leslie and the rest of your family.
I am so sorry for y’alls lost.my thoughts and prayers are with all at this of sorry,again I am so sorry to hear about Mr.jimmy he was a good person.
I’ve just learned of Mr. Ward’s passing. Sending my sincere condolences to all.
You Joann Joye Mccollough,on April 20.
So sorry to hear about Jimmy. We were cousins and spent time together as children. He was always entertaining and happy. I talked with Johnny Hugh this morning and like all who knew him were sad. I will keep you in my prayers.