James T. "Jim" Ward, age 84, of North Canton, passed away peacefully Friday April 28, 2017. James was born in Canton, Ohio on July 14, 1932 to the late James S. and Naomi Ward. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, great great grandfather, and brother. He was a 1950 graduate of Marlington High School. Jim served in the US Air Force 48th Air Rescue Squadron from 1950 - 1955 as SSGT (Staff & Technical Sergeant). He further served in the Air Force reserves until 1959. During his years of service he earned the Korean Service Medal, United Nations Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal & Outstanding Unit Award. He began civilian work at Monarch Rubber Co. where he met the love of his life, wife of 56 years, Annie Ward. He later began work at Portland Cement, and after approximately 20 years he then proceeded to work at Ashland Oil where he retired. Jim enjoyed making wooden toys, dressers, and more for his grandkids. He also kept honey bees, and raised a successful well known Christmas tree farm. Jim also enjoyed flower competitions in which he regularly competed with accomplishments. Over the course of his marriage with Annie they became well known for their infamous "Market Avenue produce stand" with an assortment of produce, garlic, and miscellaneous flowers. The story of Jim & Annie is a true love story. They resided in the home that Jim built when they were married where they raised their children, and often their grandchildren. They simply spent 'retirement' enjoying each others company, and they often went to retirees luncheons & dinners together. Jim and Annie both fell ill with pneumonia which led to similar lengthy hospitalization, and recovery. Annie passed on Friday April 26th, and Jim passed 4 years later on the same Friday, dated April 28th. Jim was ready to reunite with Annie ever since day one without her, and now they have each other again in Heaven.

Preceded in death by his wife Annie Ward, Friday April 26, 2013 and brother-in-law Jack Lewis, February 27, 2016, brother-in-law Lloyd Graham of West VA, & his parents.

Survived by his Son: Timothy Ward - Of the home. Daughter: Patti Ward - Hardy, Virginia; Granddaughter: Kelley Weems (Travis Weems) - Rocky Mount, VA; Great grandchildren: Jayden Martin, Kolby Martin, Elijah Weems & Wyatt Weems; Grandson: Justten Hensel, (Jennifer Hensel) - Roanoke, VA; Great grandchildren: Dakota Hensel, Britany Ratcliffe, great great granddaughter Hailynn; Sister Ann Lewis of Middlebranch; and siblings-in-laws Brady (Esther) Graham of Oklahoma, Willard (Pat) Graham of Virginia, Effie Lemon of Massillon, Versie (Ted) Hyatt of Akron.

Calling hours are Tuesday 2-4 & 5-7 PM at St. Jacobs Lutheran Church, 1460 State St. and Wednesday an hour before the service 10-11 AM. Funeral services are Wednesday 11 AM in the church with Dr. Rev. Leah K. Schafer officiating. Final resting place is Sunset Hills Burial Park. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jacobs Lutheran Church.

Arnold 330-877-9364

www.arnoldfuneralhome.com