Obit of Ward, James Coleman - Murray County, Oklahoma Submitted by: Gene Phillips 23 Apr 206 Return to murray murray Archives: http://www.usgwarchives.net/ok/murray/murray.htm ========================================================================== USGENWEB NOTICE Copyright. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm ========================================================================== ::Resthaven Memory Gardens--OKC OK Ward, James Coleman James Coleman Ward left this life on March 19, 2003 after a short illness that began with a broken hip. J.C., as he was known to his friends, was born April 12, 1916 to Thomas I. and Martha Altie Ward, and grew up in Iona, OK. J.C. married his sweetheart Mary Lee Talley in 1934, and they moved to Oklahoma City where they raised two children, Michael and Kathie. He served in the Navy during World War II, and later worked for McDonnell Douglas on the construction of the 3001 building at Tinker AFB. After working in the oil fields for several years, he started his career in construction with Allied Steel Erection Service, becoming General Superintendent, and continuing there for many years before starting Ace Rental Services and American Crane Co. He was a pioneer in the construction of precast concrete buildings, and was responsible for a huge number of buildings in this area, including the addition of the upper deck of the OU Football Stadium. J.C. enjoyed gardening, fishing, hunting, and spending time with his family. He was happiest when working in his garden and watching baseball and football with his little dog, Fi Fi. His family and friends were always welcome in his home, and his grandchildren, who knew him as 'Papa', spent many hours in his pool. As he was known for being an excellent cook, everyone loved going to his home for dinner, where he'd serve 'the best corn bread in the world'. He loved holidays with his family, and always looked forward to these occasions. Everyone had a nickname from him, and he made everyone feel special. He always had a spot in his heart for little girls, and really enjoyed his new baby great-granddaughter, Gentrey, in his last months. J.C. was preceded in death by his loving wife, whom he called Mickey, in 1986, and his son Mike, of whom he was so proud, in 1998, as well as his parents and sister Eva Sherman. He is survived by his daughter, Kathie Tyler, who loved her father very much, and his son-in-law, Joe Tyler. Also, his grandson, Shane Tyler, his wife Gina, and their children, Hartley, Houston, and Gentrey; grandson, Justin Tyler, his wife Kerri, and their children, Madison and Steed; granddaughter, Crystal Tyler, who spent so many hours with her Papa; daughter-in-law, Tamara Ward; grandson Ty Ward; grandson Todd Ward, his wife Traci, and their son Cole; granddaughter Milissa Ward; sister-in- law Alice Talley; brother William Ward of California; brother Arkwright Ward of Idaho; and his special sister Rebecca Stinson and her family of Sulfur, OK, with whom he loved to visit and go fishing. The family greatly appreciates the concern of Dr. Sudhir Khanna, his nephrologist, for his very attentive and caring service to both patient and family. The family would also like to thank the staff at the Jim Thorpe Rehabilitation Center on the third floor at Integris Baptist Medical Center for their care. J.C.'s passing has left a large hole in our lives, and we miss him forever. He made a tremendous mark on our world. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Make A Wish Foundation, 3030 NW Expressway, Suite 1300, OKC, OK 73112. Funeral services will be held 2:00 P.M., Friday, March 21, 2003 in the Resthaven Funeral Home Chapel with interment following in Resthaven Memory Gardens. RESTHAVEN FUNERAL HOME S.W. 104TH AT WALKER 691-1661 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Published in the Oklahoman from 3/20/2003 - 3/21/2003. Return to Murray County Archives: http://www.usgwarchives.net/ok/murray/murray.htm