Obituary of James Thomas Ward

James Thomas Ward – Chapin – Services for James Thomas Ward, 81, of Chapin, will be private. The family will greet friends on Thursday, March 14, 2019 from 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM at Lake Murray Evangelical Church, 501 Murray Lindler Rd., Chapin, SC 29036. Woodridge Funeral Home of Lexington is assisting the family.

Mr. James Ward passed away Monday, March 11, 2019 at his home in Chapin. Born in Gary, Indiana, he was a son of the late Benjamin Thomas Ward and Virginia Elizabeth Shoemake Ward. James received his Bachelor’s Degree from Trident College in Angola, Indiana. He served his country as a Yeoman 1st Class in the U.S. Navy, aboard the aircraft carrier USS Randolph. James was employed as a Process Engineer at Ford Motor Company, where he retired after 33 years of service.

 He enjoyed being an elder in his local church, and traveling abroad on mission trips to Haiti and Colombia, South America. James was also a volunteer for the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Team. During retirement, he enjoyed vacationing with his beloved wife, Marlene, and they traveled on several “adventures.” James also enjoyed spending time on the pontoon boat on Lake Murray with Marlene and the children and grandchildren.

James is survived by his loving wife of 57 years, Marlene Joyce Good Ward; sons, Michael Thomas Ward (Sandra Lois), Jeff Ward (Jenna); grandsons, Corey Michael Ward and Tyler Jeffrey Ward.