John Kirby Ward

Jack was born on August 19, 1929 to the late Margaret and James Ward, Sr. He was the 5th of 7 children. Mary Bernadette Neville (Joe), Margaret Larkins (Walter), Francis (Betty), James (Connie), Gerard (Joyce) and Ronald (Pam). All of his siblings predeceased him. He grew up in the West Port area of Baltimore and attended St. Jerome’s Catholic School.

In 1941 the family moved to a larger house on Amberley Ave in Catonsville. Jack attended St. Joseph’s Monastery and Mount St. Joseph High School, where he lettered in Golf and was part of the inaugural wrestling team for which he also lettered. Jack Graduated in 1947.

After high school Jack joined a newly formed branch of the military, The United States Air Force. Jack served from 1948 to 1950 as part of the Occupation Forces of Japan. One of his duties was as a Link Trainer Operator. His proudest memory of his service was supporting the Berlin Airlift. Jack was a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 7447 in Rehoboth, DE. He was Commander of his post in the late 1990’s. He and his friend, John Gunkel, were proud to collect the most donations during the Poppy Drive in Delaware several years in a row. Jack excelled in fitness and was a pushup and sit up fanatic. Many times he’d challenge young serviceman to competitions for pushups and sit ups. The day before his 90th birthday, he was in a park with several servicemen and challenged them to a competition, which of course he won. Jack was also the Captain of the VFW Honor Guard, which provided Military presence during veteran’s funerals.

Jack returned to Baltimore after his service and became a Licensed Electrician. He was a Lifetime Member of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers. He worked on such projects as the Baltimore Harbor Tunnel where he helped install the lighting. He became a Master Electrician and mainly worked in the DC area. Some of his projects included NIH, the White House, Water World, Calvert Cliffs Nuclear Power Plant, and the Watergate Hotel. Jack and his brother, Gerard, started their own business, Award Electric, in the 1970’s. One big project was installing the first scanning cash registers at Giant Grocery Stores in Prince George’s County.

Jack met his wife Mary T. Hickey through his brother-in- law, Joe Neville, and Mary’s best friend Betty Neville, Joe’s sister. Jack proposed to Mary on Easter Sunday 1953, and they were married January 2, 1954. They settled into a row home in Arbutus. In November 1954, their first child Michael John was born. Two years later, Mary Elizabeth joined the family. The growing family moved to Hunt Club Rd in Elkridge during the spring of 1958. There Colleen Marie -1960 and Teresa Ann- 1965 completed the family. Jack and Mary lived in the Hunt Club Rd home until they retired in 1990.

Jack was a member of St Augustine’s Catholic Church where he was part of the group of men and women who started the lector and cantor positions at the church. He was a member of Patapsco Council #1960 Knights of Columbus in Catonsville. He served as Grand Knight from 1962 to 1963. Jack also helped with a large renovation project at the Council House in his capacity of Master Electrician. He also helped start the Watermont Swim Club and the Howard County Striders.

Jack was an avid long distance runner. He ran in 30 marathons and as he aged he would run in 5k’s. In his late 80’s, he was still walking 2 plus miles daily.

Jack and Mary moved to Rehoboth Beach DE following their retirement. Jack enjoyed playing golf, running, going to the VFW and being a volunteer wrestling coach at the nearby middle school.

When Mary was diagnosed with Dementia, they returned to Maryland spending as much time as they could with family. Mary passed away in 2011 and Jack returned to their home in Rehoboth Beach. In 2020, Jack moved into Charlestown Retirement Center to be closer to his family.

Jack is survived by his four children, Michael (Susan) of Jupiter Beach, FL, Mary Beth (Mike Starr) of Glen Burnie, MD, Colleen of Elkridge, MD and Teresa (Marty Schlining) of Glen Burnie, MD. He is also survived by 6 grandchildren, Philip Starr of Wilmington, NC, Carrie Walters (Erik) of Severn MD, Daniel Smith of Elkridge MD, Katelyn Smith of Elkridge, MD, Megan Silvers of Elkridge, MD and Brooks Ward, of Boynton Beach, FL. Jack is also survived by his two loves, twin Great granddaughters, Rosie Walters and Lily Walters. Jack is also survived by four sisters- in laws, Betty (Francis) of Catonsville, MD, Connie (James) of California, Joyce (Gerard) of Laurel, MD and Pam (Ronald) of Orlando, FL. Also surviving are many nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be from 2pm-4pm and 6pm -8pm on Thursday, December28 at Kaufman’s Funeral Home 7250 Washington Blvd Elkridge MD 21075. Christian Mass will be at 10am on Friday, December 29th at St. Augustine’s Catholic Church 5976 Old Washington, Rd. Elkridge MD 21072

In lieu of flowers please consider making a donation in Jack’s name to Alzheimer’s Association. St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital, or to a charity of your choice.