James LaVern Ward (83) of Lake Placid, Florida, formerly of Jasper County

James LaVern “Jim” Ward, age 83, of Lake Placid, Florida, formerly of Jasper County, Illinois, passed away at 7:38 PM – Monday, April 01, 2019, at his home.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 AM – Tuesday, April 9 at Meyer Funeral Home in Newton, Illinois, with burial in the Aten Cemetery in Hidalgo, Illinois. Visitation will be held 5:00-7:00 PM – Monday. The obituary can be viewed and condolences left by clicking here.

James LaVern better known as “Jim” was born on October 18, 1935, in Rose Hill, Illinois, the son of Kenneth and Thelma (Wilson) Ward. He married Nancie Goldman on February 14, 1975, at Newton, Illinois and she survives. Jim was a carpenter out of Local 347 Lake Placid, Florida. He and Nancie owned and operated Hilltop Market and Garden Center on Route 121 southwest of Toledo, Illinois for several years.

Jim was a member of the Eastside Christian church in Lake Placid, Florida. He enjoyed fishing, taking care of his yard and gardening.

Jim is survived by: Wife of 44 years - Nancie (Goldman) Ward of Lake Placid, Florida; Sons - Jerry Ward of Wyoming; Robert Ward of O’Fallon, Missouri; Roger Ward of Newton, Illinois; Scott (Beth) Ward of Monticello, Minnesota; Daughters - Peggy Ward of Charleston, Illinois, Lori Ward of Corrigan, Texas and Irene (David) Carter of Lake Placid, Florida; Brother, Dale (Marilyn) Ward of Mattoon, Illinois; Sisters - Roena (Darrell) Dart of Carlinville, Illinois, Darlene (Alan) Toliver of Winder, Georgia; Sharon (Harold) Einhorn of Newton, Illinois and Marsha (Rodney) Cochran of Newton, Illinois. Several grandchildren and great grandchildren also survive.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, son Andrew Ward, brother Earl Ward and a grandson Nicholas Ward.