Jesse J.J. Ward

Jesse "J.J." Ward, husband, father and grandfather, passed away on Saturday, November 5, 2016 in San Antonio, Texas. He and wife, Doris, were charter members of Stone Oak Presbyterian Church. They served in many capacities and donated many hours of service to the church.

Jesse was a loving and devoted family man. After his family, he loved working for the railroad. Jesse started his railroad career in 1944 for the Southern Pacific Railroad in El Paso, Texas. He was 17 years old. He worked as a firemen and engineer in both steam and diesel train service. Jesse held the position of Local Chairman for the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers for many years in San Antonio, Texas. He enjoyed his career that spanned more than 40 years during his tenure at Southern Pacific Railroad. His joy was mentoring young engineers and he always had great fulfillment in watching those he mentored in their career successes. Jesse had a spark in his eye as he loved helping others; that is how we all will remember our time we shared with him.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Ira and Marie; wife, Doris Ward; siblings, Louie, Ethel, Oliver, Harry and Nell. Jesse is survived by his children, Cathy Wilkerson (J.H.), David L. Ward (Debra) and Kathy Ann Butcher (Hank); grandchildren, Libby (Brian), Craig (Fabiola), Jonathon, Sean, Mona (Mike), Cody (Cynthia) and Brock (Sarah); great-grandchildren, Ayden, Jackson, Matt (Allison), Melissa (Garrett), Evynn, Duncan, Cameron, Taylor (Michael), Kirby (John), Madison and Whitley; numerous nieces and nephews.

The family will receive friends from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m., Thursday, November 10, 2016, at Porter Loring Mortuary North.

SERVICE

FRIDAY

NOVEMBER 11, 2016

10:00 A.M.

STONE OAK CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

20024 CRESCENT OAKS

Pastor Kevin Colvard will officiate. Interment will follow in San Jose Burial Park. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Stone Oak Cumberland Presbyterian Church, 20024 Crescent Oaks, San Antonio, TX 78258 or Alzheimer's Association, 10223 McAllister Fwy., #100, San Antonio, TX 78216.