Jimmy Wayne Ward, age 76, of Flora, Illinois, passed away Friday morning, December 6, 2024, at his home.

      He was born May 13, 1948, in Xenia, the son of George A. and Eileen Imogene (Fisher) Ward.  He was united in marriage to Shirley Jean Watson on March 21, 1970, at the Cisne Methodist Church, and together they have shared 54 wedding anniversaries.

      Jim served in the Army from 1968-1969, during the Vietnam Era, where he was trained and specialized in the Military Police.  Always a hard worker, Jim was employed by Valley Steel/Jennmar, dedicating 14 years before they closed their doors.  He later worked for the City of Flora as a supervisor in the Street Department until retirement.

      He was a 2nd Degree Black Belt and a member of the Goju Ryu Karate Club.  His love for martial arts led him to become a karate instructor.  Jim owned four trail-riding horses and a pony that he had broken and trained himself, along with a dog, Sarge, that he had also trained.  Dancing was always a favorite pastime, and although he remarkably knew over 100 dances, line dancing and trail dancing were his favorites.

      Jim was full of wit and personality, and you could always count on him to give his opinion.  Spending time with his family was important to him and over the years he and Shirley had taken on all of life’s adventures side by side.  Cherishing every moment, they enjoyed time spent gardening, bicycle riding, long walks, horseback riding, and enjoying picnics while trail riding.     

      He is survived by his wife: Shirley Ward of Flora; a daughter: Michelle Ward Paxton of Flora; 2 grandsons: Sean Paxton and Cory Paxton, both of Flora; 2 brothers: Lawrence (Doris) Ward of Geff and Darrell (Connie) Ward of Xenia; a sister-in-law: Connie (Ivan) Kunce of Fairfield; a brother-in-law: Bob Watson of Mt. Erie; and many nieces and nephews.

      He was preceded in death by his parents and an infant brother.

      A funeral ceremony will be held at 10 a.m. on Thursday, December 12, 2024, at Frank & Bright Funeral Home in Flora with Pastor Mark Smith officiating.  Interment will follow in Mt. Pleasant Cemetery with the presentation of military funeral honors.  A visitation will be held from 5-7 p.m. on Wednesday evening at the funeral home.  Memorial donations are suggested to Clay County Cancer Crusaders or Flora First Methodist Church, and these will be accepted through the funeral home.  To share a condolence or memory, visit: www.frankandbright.com