James T. Ward, 83, of Ashville, went home to be with his Lord and Savior on Tuesday, Dec. 1, 2015, at Mt. Carmel Medical Center, Columbus.
He was born in Inez, Kentucky, on Aug. 26, 1932, to the late Joe and Lucy (Copley) Ward.
James retired from Teays Valley School District in maintenance after 16 years and also had worked for Continental Can in Columbus after 27 years.
He was a member of Blessed Hope Bible Church, a U.S. Army veteran, a graduate of Inez High School and was an avid Kentucky basketball fan.
He was a dedicated husband to his wife, Neava, of 44 years, who preceded him in 2008.
He is survived by sons, David (Melissa) Ward of Williamsport and Derwin (Ruth) Ward of Ashville; grandchildren, Justin, Cassie and Tristan; sister, Ann Cassidy of Lancaster; brother, Bob (Pearl) Ward of Pennsylvania; brother-in-law and sisters-in-law, Ira and Donna Muncy of Ashville and Guellen Ebline of Westerville; numerous nieces and nephews; and his beloved dog, Roscoe.
Family will receive friends from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 4, 2015, at the Oliver-Cheek Funeral Home, 420 W. Main St., Ashville. A service will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 5, 2015, in Blessed Hope Bible Church, 9941 SR 752 & 674, Ashville, with Pastor Todd Hautala officiating. Burial will follow in Harrison Township Cemetery, South Bloomfield.
For those who wish, memorials may be made to a charity of choice. Military Graveside provided by AMVETS Post 2256.
This article originally appeared on The Pickaway News Journal
