James Donald Ward, known lovingly to family and friends as "Little Jim" or simply Jimmy, passed away on March 4, 2026, at the age of 63. Born on February 22, 1963, in Green Bay, Jimmy lived his life in Chicago Illinois, Northern Wisconsin and eventually Jimmy made his home in Liberty, Tennessee.

James was the kind of man who never met a stranger. With a generous and loving heart, he had a way of making everyone around him feel welcome. If you wanted to talk football, Jimmy was your guy. A die-hard Chicago Bears fan, he could talk the game with anyone, anywhere, anytime. When he wasn't debating plays and players you could find him out in the woods doing what he loved best, hunting. The outdoors brought him a deep sense of peace and joy that stayed with him throughout his life.

Though James never had children of his own, he poured his love into his many nieces and nephews, who adored their Uncle Jimmy. He showed up for them, spent time with them, and left an impression on each and every one of their lives. Family meant the world to him, and he proved it through his actions every single day.

James was preceded in death by his parents, Alberta Ruth Ward and Allen Howard Ward; his sisters, Debbie King and Jennifer Schill; and his brothers, Mike Michener, Bob Michener, and Billy Michener. Jimmy is survived by his sisters, Theresa Segor, Anita Shawver, Karen Boyd, Kathy Miller, and Patty Korenkiewicz; his brothers, Howard Ward, Wayne Ward,Vernon Shumate , Farley Ward, and Jim Michener; and a host of nieces, nephews, and extended family who will miss him dearly. When James was able to attend church, he was deeply involved, serving faithfully as a Deacon and living out his beliefs through the kindness he showed others. His faith was the foundation of his life, and it guided everything he did. He now rests in the arms of the Savior he loved and served so well.

A day of memorial will be held on Friday, March 27, at the community center in Liberty, Tennessee, between 10 a.m and 4 p.m. As it is written in John 3:16, "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.