James W. Ward of Allentown, Florida passed away on Friday, March 21, 2014 at the age of 88. James was preceded in death by his wife, Mary in 2005, his parents James B. and Lurlie Dozier Ward, a sister Mary Beth Ward, and brothers Joel, Morris, and Lamar Ward and nephew Jamie Jernigan. He is survived by three daughters, Kathy Ward Padgett, Janice Ward Ellis (John Hart), Gwen Ward Brannum (Wayne), and one son J. William “Bill” Ward. He leaves three granddaughters, Lauren Ellis Abram, Amanda Ellis Parratt (Lee), and Allyson Padgett; and three great grandchildren Sarah Abram, Wesleigh Outland, and Elisha Parratt. James is also survived by one sister, Hilda Ward Bell, and brothers Hilson (Glenda) Ward, and Charles (Lucille) Ward, two sisters-in-law, Peggy Holland, and Frances Ward, as well as numerous nieces and nephews. James was born in Allentown and was a lifelong resident of Santa Rosa County. He graduated from Allentown High School as valedictorian in 1943. He served in the Army Air Corp during WWII (1943-46). He was trained as an airplane mechanic and received the national defense and good conduct medals. James returned to Allentown after serving and provided for his family by farming with his brothers. James and his family were honored as Santa Rosa County’s farm family of the year for 1963. James served as a member of the Santa Rosa School board from 1970-1978. James was a lifelong member of Calvary Baptist Church and served in many capacities over the years including Sunday School teacher, Sunday School Superintendent, and church treasurer. The visitation will be on Sunday, March 23 from 5:00-7:00pm at Calvary Baptist Church in Allentown. Funeral services were held on Monday, March 24 at 11:00 am at Calvary Baptist Church in Allentown with the Rev. LaDon Hall and Pastor Ronnie Bearden officiating. Burial will follow in the Calvary Baptist Church Cemetary with Lewis Funeral Home directing.