James Robert Ward went home to Jesus on April 12, 2021 at the age of 84.
Jim was born to Pearl Lawrence Ward and Netta Anzo Ward on February 2, 1937 in Raton, NM. As a child, he was involved in sports and music. Music was a big part of his life with instruments and played in a few bands, but his big booming bass voice is what people remembered.
Jim first met his wife, Shirlee Gaskin in 1953 at Sandia Christian Camp and were reacquainted in 1956. They married December 29, 1957 and went on to have 3 children, Robert, Debra and Lori.
Jim became a Christian midway through his life and wanted everyone to know that Jesus Christ was first and foremost in his life, and he held an unwavering faith in God, which he shared with those who surrounded him. He was active in the choir, and was active in the ministry of Heights Cumberland Presbyterian Church as an elder. Throughout his life he never met a stranger. He greeted everyone with a smile and a handshake. He was always willing to help someone out as long as they were willing to put forth an honest effort. He coined an acronym G.O.L.F.-Give Others Love & Friendship which he used to describe his grandson Robbie. And that phrase became the motto for the Robbie Ward Memorial Scholarship of which Jim was a supporter/promoter from day one. Jim also loved golf, fishing, travelling and the Cumbres Toltec train. He served his country in the 82nd Airborne Division from 1956-1959. He worked over the years in insurance, attended UNM and enjoyed being a coach to young people in YAFL in the 70’s. He really enjoyed his time as a high school coach and assistant coach at Sandia and Manzano. Prior to retirement he worked 22 years at APS in the police department as a K-9 officer, patrolman and detective.
Jim joins his parents, brother Pearl Lawrence Ward Jr, sisters Elsie May Kirkpatrick & Alta Ruth Lodge, daughter Lori Lynn Lee, grandsons, James Robert Gallegos and Robert “Robbie” Ward in Heaven. He is survived by his wife of 63 years Shirlee, son Robert “Bob” Ward and wife Kathy, daughter Debra Johnson. Grand children, Gary Ward, Tamra Roper, Daylan Johnson & Mitchell Johnson. Great grandchildren, Kira, Jayden & Mallory Roper, Reven & Torin Ward & Paislee Johnson. Numerous nieces and nephews, great, and great-great nieces and nephews.
In lieu of flowers Jim would like donations to the following organizations: Robbie Ward Memorial Scholarship 992 Hoffman Drive, Aztec, NM 87410 and/or Friends of the Cumbres Toltec, 4421 McLeod Rd NE, Albuquerque, NM 87109
Memorial Service will be Saturday April 24, 2021 at 1 pm at Heights Cumberland Presbyterian Church in Albuquerque, NM.
Psalm 118
Arrangements Entrusted to:
Riverside Funeral Home in Los Lunas
820 Main Street NE, Los Lunas, NM 87031
505-565-1700
