James E Ward

James E. Ward, Jr. age 90, of Monmouth, Illinois; passed away at 7:50 am on July 12, 2011 at the Monmouth Nursing Home in Monmouth, Illinois. He was born on May 17, 1921 in Monmouth and is the son of James Edward and Anna Niklas Ward. Jim was raised and educated in Monmouth where he attended local schools and Monmouth High School. Jim served in the United States Army and was a Corporal during World War II. He married Mary Louise Ross on June 30, 1950 in Monmouth, Illinois. Jim first worked with his father as an electrician for several years, and then was a Monmouth Police officer for several years. He then owned and operated Ward's DX service station at South Main Street and East Second Avenue for thirty-five years. He also was a Monmouth Volunteer Fire Fighter for thirty-three years. Jim also was known for his cooking of chicken and catfish for various organizations and events in the Monmouth area which he did for many years. Jim is a member of the J.W.Clendenin Post 2301 Veterans of Foreign Wars, the Marion B. Fletcher Post 136 American Legion, and the Masonic Lodge 37 AF & AM, all in Monmouth, Illinois. Throughout his whole life Jim enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping, and boating. He is survived by his wife Mary Ward of Monmouth, two sons Richard Ward of Monmouth, and Brian Ward of Williston, North Dakota and grandson Morgan J.A. Ward. There are numerous nieces and nephews surviving. Jim is preceded in death by his parents, one sister Marian Griffin, and brothers Robert, Charles, and MarshalWard. Services:Cremation has been accorded. A masonic service is planned at 2:00 pm on Saturday July 16, 2011 at Turnbull Funeral Home. Arrangements are made through Turnbull Funeral Home in Monmouth, Illinois. A memorial fund for the Shriner's Children's Hospitals is being established by his family.