James Jay Ward

James J. Ward “Jim”, 66, passed away on May 2, 2021 at home after a two-and-a-half year battle with stage four pancreatic cancer. Known for his love of people, great sense of humor, and unstoppable work ethic, he leaves behind many beloved friends and family members.

Jim was born in Erie, PA to Emma Dore Ward and James Kenneth Ward, an officer in the Army Security Agency. Jim and his four siblings moved frequently, and lived in Bamberg, Germany; Bad Aibling, Germany; Ft. Meade, Maryland; Camp Zama, Japan; Ft. Devens, Massachusetts, and Ft. Huachuca, Arizona. Jim attended Buena High School in Sierra Vista, Arizona, where he made close life-long friends. He graduated from Arizona State University in 1976 with an A average in math and was commissioned in the Army. Jim served for 28 years on active duty as an Army Military Intelligence Officer, retiring as a Colonel. During that time, he served in assignments to Ft. Huachuca, Arizona; Hohenfels, Germany; Wuerzburg, Germany; Berlin, Germany; Ft. Devens, Massachusetts; Vint Hill Farms Station, Virginia; the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, California; the Armed Forces Staff College in Norfolk, Virginia; the Northern Army Group in Rheindahlen, Germany; the 66th Military Intelligence Brigade in Augsburg, Germany; United States Forces Korea in Yongsan, Korea; the Space and Missile Defense Command in Crystal City, Virginia; and the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO) in Chantilly, Virginia.

After retirement from the Army, and a short stint as a cleared defense contractor, he served as an Army civilian at the NRO for three years, including a six-month deployment to Afghanistan. Continuing his service for the Army, he worked at the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency for eight years, where he completed his working career as a Defense Intelligence Senior Leader.

A devoted husband and father, Jim loved his family deeply. He married his soulmate, the former Diane Mason, whom he met at Arizona State University. They have three children, James, Daniel, and Marie, who moved ten times and grew up on military bases around the world. Jim could regularly be found coaching their sports teams, cheering them on from the bleachers, and driving back and forth to visit them no matter where they were.

Jim was known for his great sense of humor and love of people. He cherished his friendships with colleagues, neighbors, and school friends. He always sent cards for anniversaries, birthdays, and other events, filled with confetti for the occasion. He personally selected and mailed baby gifts for new parents, as well as books and poems for friends who suffered a loss. He chatted with people everywhere he went, always bringing a smile to their faces with his sincere interest in their lives and his charming humor. He cared deeply for Soldiers and always ensured they were recognized for their efforts and contributions.

Jim loved his community and was committed to making the world a better place. He volunteered for several years with the Red Cross at Fort Belvoir Hospital and with the Wolf Trap Performing Arts Center. He was always eager to organize neighborhood events and took great effort to ensure everyone felt included. On morning jogs, he was sure to take a plastic garbage bag with him so he could pick up any accumulated trash along the way.

Jim had a dazzling spirit and infectious love for life. He loved music and often played his guitar and sang. He enjoyed frequenting Wolf Trap every summer to hear performers from the 70’s and 80’s. He was a lifelong aspirational Boston Red Sox fan, and at the time of his passing was still waiting to be called up to the major league.

Jim battled cancer with courage and complete trust in God. As he suffered, he lifted the spirits of those around him, encouraging his wife and children. At the Fort Belvoir Hospital where he was treated, he took gifts and candy for every holiday, offering them to greeters and clinic staff. Jim impacted the lives of many people and his loss is deeply felt.

Survivors include his wife of 40 years, Diane; his children, James (Carolyn), Daniel (Agus), Marie (David); six grandchildren, Alan, Evan, Carolina, Daniela, Nico, and Felix, with two more grandchildren on the way; brothers Tim and Pat; and sister Kathy. He is preceded in death by his parents, Emma and James, and sisters Doreene and Colleen.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to a charity of choice or to the pancan.org team created by Marie and Jim to raise money for pancreatic cancer research.

It is located at https://secure.pancan.org/site/TR/PurpleStride/PurpleStride?team_id=28901&pg=team&fr_id=2244&fbclid=IwAR2RRjF6lLGoy6iDfEgSl55lJV4evvLyxSd0ONFRTMJvF-egN1-__jDMxis