James Andrew Ward

James (Jim) Andrew Ward passed away peacefully on Monday, May 12, 2014 at Abbott Northwestern Hospital at the age of 84. Jim was born in Columbia Heights on June 6, 1929 to Leighton Royal and Margaret Mary Ward. He was the oldest of five children and attended Columbia Heights High School. He then attended two years at St. Thomas College on a boxing and football athletic scholarship. Jim married the love of his life Jean Maas in September of 1949 after a short but sweet courtship. Jim and Jean had six children, three boys and three girls. They in turn have 16 grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren. Jim grew from a champion boxer into a master of many trades including an avid master gardener. fisherman and wood-smith. He had an eclectic life where he mastered many skills. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus. Jim enjoyed spending his mornings walking the town with Jean by his side and solving the world's problems. When he figured them all out, he would share his findings with his children and wide eyed grandchildren on many summer fishing trips and family gatherings. Jim created many fond memories with his children and grandchildren over the years. One of our fondest is the hot sauces that Jim enjoyed making and sharing with friends and family. Jim was a volunteer at the nursing home in town every Friday with Jean. He was always willing to help out where a hand was needed just so it wasn't mechanical. Jim attended Immaculate Conception Catholic Church every week with Jean. He is survived by his wife Jean, children: Mary Ward of Miami, FL, Joe Ward and his wife Annette of Andover, Mike Ward of Lake City, FL, Sheila Ward of Shakopee, John Ward of Ramona, SD; 13 grandchildren: Nicholas Ward, Christine Ens, Mathew Ward, Lori Ann Ward, Isaac Ward, Emilee Ward, Brandon Johnstone, Molly Johnstone, Jessica Ward, Shane Ward, David Bardwell, Adam Bardwell, Alex Davis; 14 great grandchildren: Aidan Bardwell, Noah Bardwell, Victoria Ward, Vincent Ward, Vance Ward, Harper Lee Ward, Maggie Lou Johnstone, Connor Johnstone, Elijah Ward, Isaiah Ward, Samuel Ward, Clementine Ens, Charlotte Ens, Cyrilla Ens; sister Eucharista, brother Paul Ward and his wife Phalla of California, many other relatives and friends. James is preceded in death by his parents Leighton & Margaret (Parkinson) Ward, daughter Margaret Ward, grandchildren: Brian, Amy and Andrew Bardwell, sister Helen Treaufels, and brother Larry Ward. A Memorial Mass to celebrate Jim's life will be held on Saturday, May 17th at 10:30 a.m. at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church of Pine City. Visitation will be held one hour prior also at the church. A reception will follow with a processional to the final resting place in Brook Park after lunch. Arrangements for James Ward are with the Funeral and Cremation Service of Pine City, Swanson Chapel. www.funeralandcremationservice.com