Date of Birth:
Saturday, October 27, 1928
Date of Death:
Monday, February 19, 2018
Age:
89 years old

James Francis Ward Sr.

James Francis Ward Sr. born October 27, 1928, in St. Paul, Minnesota, died peacefully, surrounded by his family, at the age of 89, on February 19, 2018. A resident of Rochester, he is survived by his wife of 62 years, Joanne Murphy Ward; his four wonderful children: Sheila Ward (Nicholas Brokaw), James Ward Jr. (Diana Psyras), Lisa (Marty) Ellman, Patty Ward-Montoya (Damian), and his five much-loved grandchildren: Leah, Mike, Mark, Braden, and Fritz. Jim was preceded in death by parents John and Cecille Fleissner Ward; brothers Jack (Marie) Ward and Tom (Mary Ellen) Ward and sister Mary Ann (Nick) Mancini.

Jim graduated from Cretin High School in Saint Paul and attended the University of Minnesota. He served in the Korean War, in the Navy Public Office of Information in Hawaii. He married Joanne in 1955. Professionally he worked as a commercial/residential real estate appraiser in in Minnesota, especially the southeastern region, for over 50 years. First, Jim worked for the state of Minnesota, then for Olmsted County, then for local savings and loans, and finally at 58 he went into business for himself. He earned the designations of SRA and SRPA. In this work Jim especially enjoyed his many travels throughout the state, and shared his many Minnesota experiences with his family and friends.

Following injury at age 81, Jim retired from his appraisal work. He was active for a time in groups he enjoyed: The Korean War Veterans, Serra International, Rochester Public Library Volunteers, and St. Pius X Church activities. Later he continued to be involved in the Golden Age Kiwanis and as a pen pal volunteer at Elton Hills School. He and Joanne have been members of Teams of Our Lady for over 40 years.

Love for his family was central to his life. He gave his heart to his children and grandchildren. Jim loved watching baseball games with grandson, Braden, and regularly cheered on his older grandchildren at Lourdes High School Band competitions. Jim was always quick to smile, laugh, and share the humor and irony of every situation. We will all miss his wry, often mischievous sense of humor and his freely given love and support. He will be remembered for his kindness, warmth, and all the ways he showed his family and friends how much he valued and loved them.

Jim’s family gives thanks to all the wonderful nurses at St. Mary’s Hospital at Domatilla 3 and Mary Brigh ICU 6F, and gratitude for the skilled and kind care of Drs. Park, May, Koslo, and Pritchet. Special thanks to Fr. Russel Scepaniak.

Visitation will be held at 6 to 8 pm. on Friday February 23 in the River Park Chapel at Macken Funeral Home (1105 12th Street S.E., Rochester) and at 10 am on Saturday February 24 at St. Pius X Church (1315 12th Ave NW, Rochester), followed by the Mass of the Resurrection at 11 am. Graveside services will be conducted at a later date at the Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery – Preston. In lieu of flowers donations are recommended to St. Pius X Church, Rochester Catholic Schools, or the Poverello Fund at the Mayo Clinic.