James "Jim" Bernard Ward

James "Jim" B. Ward, 92, of Waukon, IA, died Saturday, November 11, 2023, at Winn Med Hospital in Decorah, IA. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Thursday, November 16th, at 11:00 AM at St. Patrick Catholic Church with Fr. John Moser officiating and burial will be at Mt. Olivet Cemetery, both in Waukon. Friends may greet the family from 9:30 AM until time of services at the church on Thursday. Martin – Grau Funeral Home in Waukon is handling the arrangements. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Patrick Catholic School.

James Bernard Ward was born on May 26, 1931, in Waukon, IA, the son of George S. and Gertrude E. (Riley) Ward. He was baptized and confirmed at St. Mary's Lycurgus Catholic Church. Jim attended French Creek #5 through the eighth grade and graduated from St. Patrick High School in 1949. Jim married Elaine Davis on June 2, 1956, at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Waukon. The couple made their home in Waukon. Jim farmed in the Lycurgus area until 1985, and then worked as a custodian at St. Patrick Catholic Church and School, retiring in 2006.

He was a member of St. Patrick Catholic Church and was an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion, choir member, and cantor. He was also active with bingo for many years.

Jim is survived by his wife Elaine of Waukon, his children: Gregory (Keeli) Ward of Waukon, Gary (Geralyn) Ward of Robins, IA, Bob (Sherri) Ward of Luana, IA, Deacon Michael (Kris) Ward of Charles City, IA, and Mary (Rick) Halligan of Fort Dodge, IA; 20 grandchildren; 28 great-grandchildren; two nieces: Susan (Ken) Hennings of Decorah and Nina Van Gorp of Waukon; and many cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents; his sister Margaret Regan, who died in 2013; and grandchildren: Patrick Ward and Samuel Ward.

Honorary casketbearers are Jim's grandchildren. Casketbearers include Jonathon, Andrew, Mollie, Bryan, and Melissa Ward, and Austin and Tommy Halligan.

Online condolences may be left at www.martinfunerals.com.