James P. Ward
James P. Ward, age 70, of 1927 W. Wilmar Dr., Quincy, died on Saturday, October 19, 2013 at 6:30 a.m. at the Illinois Veteran’s Home following a long struggle with Alzheimer’s Disease. Jim was born on April 26, 1943 in Ottumwa, IA, a son of Paul J. and Harriet (Cottrell) Ward. He married Marilyn Reid on August 26, 1966 in Oakland, CA. She survives.
Mr. Ward served in the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam War as a hospital corpsman. He was stationed at Oakland Naval Hospital, Oakland, CA. Following his discharge, he became a Registered Nurse Anesthetist and worked primarily at St. Mary’s Hospital, Quincy, IL and Columbia Regional Hospital, Columbia, MO, retiring in 1997 due to his disease.
Jim had been a member of St. Dominic’s Catholic Church and currently St. Francis Catholic Church. He loved his job and his family. He enjoyed helping others, fixing anything and everything, making beautiful walnut furniture, restoring his vintage Corvette and doing yard work.
In addition to his wife, Marilyn, his wife of 47 years, he is survived by his daughters, Kelly J. Scheller and her husband Brian and Christine Ward; grandsons, Jacob & Patrick Scheller, all of the St. Louis, MO area; and a sister Betty (Bill) Cottrell of Seattle, WA.
He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Tom Ward.
Jim will be cremated as he requested. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, October 29, 2013 at 10:00 a.m. in St. Francis Solanus Catholic Church. Interment will be in Sunset Cemetery at the Illinois Veteran’s Home. Visitation will be held on Monday evening from 4:00 – 6:00 p.m. at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to the Illinois Veteran’s Home Activity Fund. The family will be eternally grateful to the staff at the Veteran’s Home for the excellent care Jim received there. The Duker & Haugh Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements. www.dukerandhaugh.com
May James’ loving family and friends find comfort from God’s word at Revelation 21: 3-5.
I’m so sorry to hear of Jim’s passing.I worked with him at St.Mary’s. Marilyn was one of my teachers at JWCC Nursing Program, and helped me get a new job in the Pharmacy there.I think of them fondly, and often…
I will always remember him smiling, that happy-go-lucky smile. His personality has remained with me since i was young. I will never forget the love that was obvious between Marilyn him, what a great impression to leave this world with! Many ((huggs)) to Marilyn & family.
Sorry to hear of your loss. I’m sure you will miss your husband/Dad immensely, as I already miss my Dad who passed just one week prior, but the comfort is the belief that they are once again whole and rid of that horrible disease. May your memories bring you comfort and a smile during this very difficult time.
My Dad, Fritz, and Jim were good roommates. I’m sure my Dad welcomed him into heaven.
So sorry to hear the news. Thinking of you and keeping you in our prayers.
Love,
Lisa, Grant, Luke and Drew Durham
Dear Marilyn and Family: I am so very sorry to hear of Jim’s passing. You were so devoted to him as we would see each other often at the Veterans Home when I would visit my husband. My heart goes out to you and all of you are in my prayers. Love, Meg
God speed Jim on his journey home and bless you dear cousin. With you in spirit. Love Jean