James L. Ward, Sr., a devoted husband, father, family man, and friend, passed away June 11, 2024, surrounded by his five children, Jim Jr., Joe, Amy, Ben and Elizabeth and his loving wife of nearly 40 years, Karen Jackson Ward.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents: Henry Alfred Ward, and Ruth Marie Goodman; his younger sister, Lynn (Ward) Flamiatos; and Joyce Ann Sander; his first wife and mother of his five children. He is survived by his wife, Karen; his children, and their spouses: Susan Simpson, Amy Teague, Doug Baer, and Eric Archer; his six grandchildren; and his brother, Bill Ward (Laura).

Jim's unwavering faith and commitment to his loved ones left an indelible mark on the lives of so many.

Born and raised in Seattle, Washington, Jim attended St. Catherine's elementary school and Blanchet High School. He spent many years involved in Marriage Encounter; he was very involved in supporting RCIA (for those seeking to enter the Catholic church), he coached numerous CYO basketball teams and helped with the remodeling of his longtime parish church, St. Luke. He had a great passion for community and faith, and his Catholic roots ran deep.

In his early thirties, along with his brother, Jim founded Ward's Masonry, a thriving family business that played a pivotal role in the growth of masonry throughout the greater Puget Sound area. His three sons continued his masonry legacy when he retired. Retirement brought new adventures, including his instrumental role in establishing the Masonry Institute of Washington, where he tirelessly championed the value and worth of masonry within the community. He cherished family gatherings, watching sports, golfing, and traveling with friends and family.

Jim's joy, zest for life, and unwavering faith touched everyone he met. His warm presence could light up a room, and his heartfelt hugs provided comfort and support like no other. His memory will forever echo in the hearts of those who knew him, leaving a void that cannot be filled.

A prayer vigil will be held on June 25th, at 7:00pm, and his funeral mass will be June 26th, at 11:00am, both at St. Luke Catholic church: 17533 Saint Luke Place North, Shoreline 98133. Interment immediately after the funeral will be at Holyrood cemetery: 205 NE 205th St, Shoreline, followed by a reception at the Nile Golf Course: 6601 244th St. SW, Mountlake Terrace.

If you wish to make a donation in Jim's honor, please make your check payable to "St. Luke Parish" and put in the subject line "St. Vincent de Paul, in memory of Jim Ward, Sr."