Jim as he was better known grew up in Indianapolis and while in high school he met his future wife, Diana. The couple were married a year later and soon started their family. Due to his job in railroad construction Jim and his family traveled most of the southern states before taking a position in Spring, Texas to construct the Lloyd railyard.
While Jim was mostly known for his ownership of a civil construction company, he also ventured in commercial real estate, sports entertainment, wine businesses, oil and gas wells, amongst many other opportunities.
He actively participated in his church community, serving as an usher and attending services every Sunday. He was proud to have read the Bible front to back multiple times. After church he would take his family to the Houston Oilers football games. Jim also enjoyed working out and once even tried out for the Atlanta Falcons.
He loved spending time with his family. He was a generous and caring man that would help anyone in need.
Jim is survived by his loving wife of 53 years, Diana Ward, children, Michael J. Ward and wife Nicole, Benjamin S. Ward and wife Tiffany, and Melissa Turner, grandchildren, Courtney Harris, Brittney Carter and husband Kirk, Brittany Owens, Jacob Harris, Jackie Cobb and husband Bailey, Mackenzie Ward, Alyssa Ward, Kendall Ward, Kaylin Turner, Karter Turner, great grandchildren, Sophie Sanquinet, Karson Carter, Rylan Carter, Levi Carter and Addie Owens, brothers, Robert Ward and wife Maryann, John Ward and wife Sandy, sister, Charlene Cassidy. As well as numerous nieces, nephews and friends.
Jim’s family will welcome visitors to Cashner Funeral Home on Monday, February 17, 2025, from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. Funeral services will begin at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, February 18, 2025, with burial to follow in Garden Park Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers please make a memorial donation to the Alzheimer’s Association at https://act.alz.org/