James Otis Ward

James Otis Ward, was born in Prague Oklahoma on March 26, 1931, and died on January 31, 2015. James was named after his grandfather's James Jackson Ward, and Otis Eldridge. James lived near Prague on the family farm until his family relocated to California in the area of Dinuba in 1944. As a boy growing up he worked on the family farm starting when he was about 5 milking the cows and carrying the milk to the house hard work became a way of life. James father and grandfather Ward were both life members in the Church of Christ and James followed in their steps.

James met Joyce at the Dinuba Church of Christ and after a few months of dating they were married on December 10, 1949. They both worked at Wileman Brothers & Elliott packing house, and latter James got a job at Davis and Morton grocery store until he joined the US Army in 1952. After training James was sent to Korea where he fought in front line combat for 14 months. James was promoted from Private to Staff Sergeant during his combat tour. James was offered a promotion if he would reenlist, he was torn by the decision and always wondered what life would have been like if he had stayed in the Army. Shortly after being discharged from the Army he got his first construction job working on the Visalia Court house.

James worked as a carpenter until his retirement except for a two year break working at Sierra Children's home in Vacaville, it was a Church of Christ group home. James built several homes in Cutler, Dinuba, Visalia, and Goshen. James would travel when no work was available taking him to San Jose and Monterey areas, notable work included remodeling Clint Eastwood home in Carmel Highlands area, and auditorium at College of Sequoia. His longest employment was working on California aqueduct for over 4 years, and as a supervisor for self-help housing for over 5 years. James retired at the age of 55 due to back injuries. He donated many hours work during construction on the Community Church of Christ. James spent his retirement years with his loving wife, friends, and relatives, visiting regularly, also member of Sam's and Sallies travel group, and traveling independently all over the United States including trips to Alaska, and Hawaii. James was a regular member at Church until he became to disabled to attend.

James was proceeded in death by his wife Joyce Ward after 64 years of marriage. Children Jim Ward, Patsy Morigeau, Donald Ward, nine grandchildren, fifteen great grandchildren plus two soon to come, and three great great grand children.

Visitation will be held at Millers Memorial Chapel, 1120 W. Goshen Ave, in Visalia, CA from 4 PM to 7 PM on Friday, February 6th, 2015. Graveside services at Smith Mountain Cemetery at 9 AM, Saturday, February 7th, 2015. Smith Mountain Cemetery is East of Dinuba on El Monte Way (avenue 416) and then North on road 100.

Tributes and condolences may be made at www.millerchapel.com.

Arrangements entrusted to Miller Memorial Chapel, 1120 W. Goshen Ave., Visalia, CA 93291 (559) 732-8371.