James Lewis Ward

James Lewis Ward was born on February 27, 1938 at his family’s home on Old Stroud Road. He departed this life on November 2, 2020 at his home in Stroud, OK at the age of 82. James was the son of Jack G. Ward and Letha Pearl (Munson) Ward. On April 19, 1958, James married Dorothy Lucille Thompson, and they were married until her passing in 1998. They had two children: James Lewis (Jack) Ward Jr. and Michael Ray Ward. James later married Ruth Ann Sanders. James (known to most people as Jim) attended Stroud Schools when he was growing up. After high school, he moved to Tulsa to begin his 45-year career as a professional truck driver. His first job was at the Pepsi-Cola Company where he owned his own truck. He was honored with being named Salesman of the Year and received many other awards during his career. After several years, he drove a truck for United Transport, hauling new vehicles. Then he went to work for Wonder Bread, where he retired. James was a professional truck driver and had an impeccable driving record! During his many years of driving, he was involved in one accident during a snowstorm when a vehicle tried to pass and lost control. The family involved recognized him as the one who saved their lives because of the way he navigated his truck to protect them. James was extremely proud of his sons and enjoyed helping them with their businesses. He often worked part-time for his son Mike at Legacy General Contracting. James was a 32nd Degree Mason with the Grand Lodge of Oklahoma A.F. & A.M. and was also a member of the Shriners. He attended Carbondale Assembly of God Church when he lived in Tulsa and more recently the First Free Will Baptist Church in Stroud. James never met a stranger! He loved to travel and made friends everywhere he went. He always had a story to tell and was never at a loss for words. He had an uncanny ability to remember people’s names and family pedigree, as well as many other details of their lives. He had traveled a great deal in his career and enjoyed going back and experiencing places that he had only seen through the window of a truck. He loved to brag about all his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and faithful companion, Riva and ¬¬¬¬looked for opportunities to tell people about them! In his spare time he enjoyed fishing, golfing, reading, and spending time with his family. He was a wonderful, unique man and will be greatly missed by his family and friends. James was preceded in death by his parents, Lucy-his wife of 40 years, his sister Lora Hogan, and his brother Ron Ward. He is survived by his wife, Ruth Ward, of the home, brother Gerald Ward and wife Stella of Edmond, brother Don Ward and wife DeeAnn of Parsons, KS, his son Jack Ward of Wellston, son Mike Ward of Grand Lake, daughter-in-law Karen Ward of Tulsa, son Gerald Hixon of Stroud, daughter Lynita Hixon of Stroud, grandchildren Gerald & Annie Hixon of Norfolk Virginia, Ashley Hixon of Schulter, OK, Taylor Brownlee of Mutual, OK, Kaylan Brownlee of Edmond, OK, great-grandchildren; Destiny, Tonya, Kaleb, Asher, Haven, and Ruthie, as well as many other relatives and friends. He will be greatly missed by Riva, his beloved dog, loyal companion, and protector. The family wishes to thank all the people that have helped care for James: Physician’s Hospice, Nurse Megan, Daieon, Sharon Mitchell, Ann Rogers, Elaine Berger, Pastor Tim Gillespie, and numerous family members, neighbors, and friends. Services will be held on Thursday, November 5, 2020, at 10:00 a.m. at Parks Brothers Funeral Home in Stroud, OK. Graveside services will be held at Floral Haven Cemetery in Tulsa, OK that afternoon at 2:00 p.m. The family requests (but does not require) that masks be worn and social distancing practiced in order to ensure the health of everyone in attendance.