James Ward

On July 22, 2021, James Carl Ward, Sr. was surrounded by his loving family as he peacefully breathed his last breath before meeting his Lord and Savior.

Jim, known as "Punky" to most, was born July 17, 1929, in Dundee, MS to the late Joe W. and Lablondia Spencer Ward. Jim proudly served in the United States Air Force (USAF). His tour began in 1950 in Texas, and continued throughout North Africa, Colorado and Korea and Bay of Pigs. During his service, Jim met Gwen Welborn Ward while serving at the Brookley Air Force Base in Mobile, AL and the two were married on February 14, 1956. Together, they continued their tours in New Mexico, Mississippi, France, Germany, Oregon, and returned to Biloxi, MS in 1969. Jim later retired from the USAF after 20 years of service.

While his service to his country might have come to an end, his service to the community was just beginning. Jim proudly managed the Bankston Paint Stores in Biloxi and Gulfport for more than twenty years and was a local aficionado when it came to paint. He was heavily involved with the Polar Star Lodge, York Rite Bodies, Joppa Shrine Temple, Disabled American Veterans and Great Southern Golf Club. Jim was a talented golfer and an avid fisherman and sportsman. He took pride in his yard and kept it manicured as if to reflect the fairways of The Masters.

He was a man of his word, a proud supporter of his country and flag, a loving family-man and much more. Jim was preceded in death by his parents, two sisters and two brothers. He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Gwen Welborn Ward; his son, Jim Ward, Jr. and daughter-in-law, Karen Scarborough Ward; his beloved granddaughter, Ashley Ward Horobetz and grand son-in-law, Mark Horobetz; his great-grandchildren, Wallace and Forrest Horobetz; his brother Lamar Ward (Jenny); many nieces and nephews and his support Labrador Retriever and caregiver, Moss.

The family wishes to thank the staff of St. Joseph Hospice in Gulfport, MS for their care of a beloved family-man and retired veteran.

The gathering for the processional will begin at 1:30 p.m. on Monday, July 26 at Riemann Family Funeral Homes, 274 Beauvoir Road, Biloxi, MS with a prompt departure time of 2 p.m. Services will be held at Biloxi National Cemetery at 2:30 p.m.

In lieu of flowers the family asks for donations in memory of Polar Star Masonic Lodge, PO Box 6096, Gulfport, MS 39506 in Memory of Jim Ward, Sr.