James M. Ward

James Morris (Jim) Ward, age 93, went to his eternal home Monday, March 25, 2024 at his home. The son of Thomas Henry and Lucile Bell Ward, he was born in Dyersburg, TN, on August 10, 1930.

He obtained his early education in the public schools of Dyersburg, graduating from high school in 1948. He attended the University of Mississippi and later the University Center in Jackson where he completed courses in business administration, mathematics, and engineering. In 1965 and 1966 he completed studies in the fields of mathematics, electronics, and economics at the Illinois Institute of Technology in Chicago.

Jim was employed in 1955 by the Southern Bell Telephone and Telegraph Company (South Central Bell) as a lineman located in Jackson, TN. He worked on this and other jobs of increasing responsibility throughout west Tennessee until he was transferred to the engineering department in Jackson, MS, in 1961.

He was a member of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, a professional engineering society. His hobbies were reading, hunting, fishing, and piddlin’ with wood. He enjoys almost all sports, especially football and baseball.

Jim was a member and actively participated in the activities of Bethel Baptist Church where he served as an active deacon.

MASONIC RECORD
Brother Ward received the sublime degree of Master Mason in Pearl Lodge No. 23 and after serving on various standing committees and in several offices was elected to serve as Master of this lodge in 1971. He was past Grand Master of the Grand Lodge in 1979, as well as past master of the Banner Lodge #329 and Water Valley lodge #402.

Visitation is planned for Thursday, March 28, 2024, in the Gardiner Room at Seven Oaks Funeral Home from 12:00 Noon until 2:00 PM. Services will immediately follow at 2:00 PM in the Henry Chapel of Seven Oaks with Bro. Tom Cumberland officiating. Burial will be in Bethel Cemetery.

Jim is survived by his lifelong friend and wife of nearly seventy-five years, Jan Ward; one brother, Jere Ward of Texas; and numerous friends and acquaintances.

In addition to his parents, Jim was preceded in death by one daughter, J. Katherine Ward; one brother; and one sister.