Jim Ward

Heaven had gained another resident, James Arthur Ward, Sr. died on April 17, 2025 at the Commonwealth Senior Living at Georgian Manor, Memory Center in Chesapeake. Born in Halifax County, South Boston, Virginia on September 14, 1948, he was the son of William and Patricia Ward both deceased. He was preceded in death by his brother Daniel Ward.

Jim attended The College of William and Mary in Williamsburg, VA but due to an accident, ended up in the hospital. While there, the first roll of the draft was his birthdate. He had to report to the draft board in a cast which opted him out of going to Vietnam. He finished his education at Virginia Wesleyan College (1972) in Virginia Beach, Va

After graduating from college, Jim became a Personnel Technician for the City of Norfolk in 1973. He then became the Personnel Director for the City of Suffolk in 1979. Between 1980 and 1987, Jim was a Corporate Vice President at Atlantic Permanent in Virginia Beach. In 1988 he left to become Vice President of Personnel and Administration at Langley Federal Credit Union. After leaving the Credit Union Jim became a Financial Consultant with various Brokerage firms but took an early retirement due to an incomplete spinal cord injury. He kept a positive attitude about life and always said, “God was the reason he was still alive”! Even after surgery for colon cancer and five knee replacements, he still kept that same positive spirit.

Jim served on the Board of Directors of the Day Care and Child Development Center in Tidewater(1985), Greater Hampton Roads Chapter Chairman of the March of Dimes, and YMCA Camp Silver Beach.

Jim had many hobbies such as handball, golf, fishing, and boating. He was a Master Gardener and volunteered at the Norfolk Zoo. He was a member of the Exmore Moose Lodge #683.

Jim is survived by his son, Jamie Ward, a brother, Mac Ward, nieces, Becca and Caitlin and their families, and his caregiver, Connie.

A special thank you to Cristy Hanson, Executive Director at Commonwealth Senior Living at Georgian Manor and Mona Bailey and staff, Tiffany (for showing such love and compassion) and all the wonderful people at Traditions Hospice. A very special heartfelt thank you to one of the most incredible home healthcare women that has been put on this earth, Cystal Blount. She took care of Jim at home, and also at the Commonwealth when he went into the memory center. She will forever be thanked for the kindness, understanding, love, and compassion she showed in caring for Jim.

Gratitude and Love are also heaped on all of Jim’s Silver Beach family. The love and help given to ensure Jim’s care and safety are beyond measure. Rarely has there been such a loving and caring group as the people in Jim’s life. Thank you, Jimmy B for always making sure he was safe and secure before leaving his beach house.

Jim, “Self Appointed Mayor of Silver Beach”, will be missed by both family and many friends.

PSA: If someone ever comes up to you and utters these words, “Ring a ding ding classy tomato, got a minute? RUN

Funeral services will be held at Doughty’s Funeral Home in Exmore, VA, Sunday, June 8, 2025 at 1:30PM with Dr. Jessie Wilson officiating and a Celebration of Life cookout immediately following at Silver Beach in front of the Turlington home. Dress is very casual for both functions.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Exmore Moose Lodge #683 and the local animal shelters.

Online condolences may be sent at www.doughtyfuneralhome.com.

Arrangements were made by Doughty Funeral Home in Exmore, Virginia.