We are saddened by the unexpected passing of Jim Ward of Arlington, VA on December 30th 2020. Jimmy, as he was affectionately known by friends and family, was born in Easton, Pennsylvania, but lived all over the country as a Navy junior. He had a successful swimming career in his youth. Jimmy excelled in the butterfly, winning the New England Championship in 1963: and establishing a long-standing championship record. Jim graduated from Bishop O’Connell High School in 1971 and from Tusculum College in 1977. He then accomplished a successful 30-year real estate career with with Better Homes Realty, in their Dominion Hills office.
Jim, in his retirement, was still an avid swimmer and hiker and he loved his daily half-mile swims, and hikes all around Arlington. He had an admirable green thumb, and was known for cultivating impressive hibiscus flowers and legendary tomato plants. He spent the last 15 years as a prolific writer, publishing several works of literature including Irish Luck, Indian Island, Wicked Habits, Jaguar Jungle, Weather War and La Matadora, a collection of poems. A sixth publication will be released later this year.
Jim was also a very enthusiastic supporter of youth sports, attending every game, meet, race, and many, many practices his daughters participated in. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in his name to the W-L Crew Team & Boosters at https://w-lcrewboosters.org. He was a supporter of W-L Crew, even attending regattas and team practices, well after his time as a parent and booster.
We are already missing Jim’s affection, sense of humor, and vivid story-telling. He is survived by his daughter Jessica Ward and her fiancé Greg Monin; daughter Carrie Smith, her husband Kevor Smith, and son Kaleb; his sister Mary Ellen Kemp of San Francisco, CA; and brother Duffy Ward of Vienna, VA. Celebration of Life arrangements will be made at a later date, once the pandemic is under control.
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