Nevada County Picayune and Gurdon Times Newspaper Archive

James Ward

Mr. James Edward Ward, 64, of Hope, died Monday, May 14, 2007, at Wadley Regional Medical Center in Texarkana.

He was born on June 28, 1942, in Nevada County to H.O. and Alta Marie Tye Ward. He was a self-employed owner/operator truck driver/mechanic who had been drag racing and dirt track racing for more than 50 years. He was a loving and devoted husband, father and grandfather. He was a Baptist and former member of the Texarkana Racing association. He had three passions in life - family, friends and racing, in that order. James took the checkered flags in all three.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

His survivors include, his wife of 14 = years, Sharon Williams Ward of Hope; two sons, Steve Ward and Mary Anne of Blevins and Scotty Harcrow and Mande of Camden; three daughters, Julie Smithers and Mark of Hope, Deana Ward of Hope, and Kristi Rice and Russell of Alvord, Texas; one brother, Dale Ward and Frances of Denton, Texas, two sisters, Marjorie Faught and Betty Sue Bowden and Henry, all of Searcy; and thirteen grandchildren.

Funeral services were at 2 p.m., Thursday, May 17, at Brazzel/Oakcrest Funeral Home of Hope. Arrangements were by Brazzel/Oakcrest Funeral Home of Hope.

The family received friends Wednesday, May 16, from 6-8 p.m., at Brazzel/Oakcrest Funeral Home of Hope.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to New Hope Baptist Church, 3725 Hwy 278 West, Hope, AR 71801.