James Mullen Ward

the son of Mrs. J. Walter Ward Jr., nee Mildred Stouse, and the late Mr. Ward. He graduated from De La Salle High School, and attended the University of Southwestern Louisiana (now ULL). He continued his education at Delgado Community College, receiving a certificate of HVAC training and later completing the necessary degree studies for his LPN. Jim had many hobbies, interests and talents. He loved watching pro football and his skill at memorizing dates, game scores, players and teams impressed all those who discussed sports with him; he was quite skilled at sports analytics and probably just came along a bit too soon for a degree in that field. His memory extended from sports to other data (he never missed a birthday, the name of a movie or a book, and enjoyed impressing his friends and relatives with the scope and depth of his memory). His talent for impersonating family members and movie stars was outstanding as well.

Finally, he enjoyed collecting coins and stamps and was a fan of modern jazz, especially Herbie Hancock and Chick Corea. Jim had strong opinions but could be a sweet and caring man with a gentle soul, and anyone who met Jim knew that he was very bright and that he was frequently very witty.

He is survived by his mother and his daughter, Nina Michelle Ward of Stem, N.C., and her daughter, Lilah; his siblings Donald Ward of Metairie, Charlotte Link (Robert) of New Orleans, and Marie Turner (Alex) of Glenview, Ill. He is also survived by his nieces and a nephew: Jessica and Benjamin Link; Lexi and Haven Turner; and 17 first cousins.

In addition to his father, Jim was preceded in death by his grandparents Mr. and Mrs. Maurice Jean Stouse of New Orleans, the latter nee Mildred Renshaw; and Mr. and Mrs. James Walter Ward, the latter nee Mary Mullen of Shreveport. He was married to Christine Frachtling, formerly of New Orleans, for 15 years.

Visitation will be Thursday at 10 a.m., followed by a Mass at 11 at St. Francis Xavier Church, 444 Metairie Road. A light lunch in honor of Jim will be held at the church's St. Joseph Hall. Interment will be held at a later date in Metairie Cemetery.

To view and sign the family online guestbook and share your memories of Jim, please visit lakelawnmetairie.com

In lieu of flowers, please consider having masses said, or a small donation in Jim’s memory to Bridge House (https://www.bridgehouse.org) or NAMI (https://namisela.org).