James Jim Melville Ward

James (Jim) Melville Ward, Sr., 65, of Bryan, passed away peacefully at home on Tuesday, November 23, 2010. Services are set for 6:00 p.m., Monday, November 29, 2010 at Memorial Funeral Chapel, College Station.

Jim was born in Dallas on September 7, 1945 to John K. Ward, Sr. and Mary Elizabeth (Ward) McCulley. Jim graduated from Stephen F. Austin High School in Bryan. He earned his Bachelors Degree in Commercial Art & Photography from Sam Houston State University where he met Jimmie Carol (Bo) Minter, his future wife. Jim and Bo were married on December 18, 1965. Jim served in the United States Navy from 1968 to 1971. He went on to earn his Masters Degree in Education Technology from Texas A&M University. Jim retired in 2007 as a Communications Specialist from Texas A&M Agricultural Experiment Station after 40 years of service.

Jim was a loving husband and grandfather. He loved life and the Lord, who gave him his joy and steadfast strength. After his retirement Jim enjoyed spoiling his grandchildren, working in the yard, and walking his beloved dog Susanna in the park by his home.

Jim is preceded in death by his parents, his step-father William (Bill) McCulley and his step-brother Mike McCulley.

Jim is survived by Bo, his wife of almost 45 years, his son James (Jimbo) M. Ward, Jr. and his wife Tamra of Waco, son Jeffrey Ward and his wife Barb of Fort Worth, his grandchildren Hunter Ward, Tabitha Ward, Matthew Dennis, Stephanie Luke, David Luke, Nathen Colberg and Jackson Ward, his brother John K. Ward, Jr. and his wife Jan of Lake Jackson, his sister Julie Harrell and her husband Skip of Albuquerque, NM, step-sister Julie McCulley Linnstaedter and her husband Jerry, step-brother Eddie McCulley and his wife Sherry of Wichita, KS, his sister-in-law Darlene McCulley of Maize, KS as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

If desired, memorials may be made in lieu of flowers to M.D. Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, TX or Traditions Hospice of College Station.

Jim lived his life putting others before himself. He was an example of humble strength and humility, that he knew, could only be bestowed by God his heavenly father.