Leo James Ward

Leo J. “Jim” Ward, 86, passed away on January 25, 2018 in Phoenix, Arizona. He was born May 1, 1931 in Aurora, IL. He was preceded in death by his parents, Leo and Alta Ward, sister, Betty Klug, brother Jerry Ward, and brothers-in-law Alfred Klug and George Molitor.

Jim moved to southern California in the early 1960’s, where he found sunshine and new opportunity in the booming aerospace industry. He went to work as a draftsman at Aerojet Electrosystems in Azusa, California, contributing to several trailblazing projects that propelled the U.S. into the Space Race. He met Linda Wright, a California native, in 1964, while residing in the same apartment complex. Jim and Linda were married in 1965 and began their family. Jim loved being a dad to his three little girls, Jennifer, Sheri and Karin. He was an avid photographer, and produced a wealth of photos of his girls when they were young.

Jim is remembered for his garage-tinkering and outdoor projects that made his home more enjoyable for friends and family.

Jim frequently rewarded himself with a few cold beers on the weekends, always relishing the moment of that first sip of a cold Olympia or PBR on a Saturday afternoon. Jim also had a long-time love for the game of golf, and would often stop at the driving range on his way home from work to hit a bucket of balls. He enjoyed keeping up with his favorite golfers by watching PGA events on TV, relishing the beauty of a perfect putt by Arnold, Jack or Tiger.

Later in life, Jim spent his time re-cultivating his inner artist. His little apartment overflowed with canvases in the works, 100’s of record albums and stacks of books. Jim retired to Green Valley, Arizona where he found new inspiration to putter, paint and pick his guitar. He spent his last 20 years living through the sunny days and the starry nights of the Arizona desert, where his daughters, grandchildren and Illinois family occasionally visited. Jim maintained his sense of humor and his “cowboy poet” outlook on the world until his final days. Jim is survived by two sisters, Gloria Molitor and Pam Ward, his daughters, and six grandchildren.

He leaves a legacy of artistic talent, humor, compassion and an appreciation for life’s simplest beauty.