James Joseph Ward was born April 25, 1931, in Waukegan, IL, to CDR William Ward, USN, and Mary Hyttenrauch Ward. He died on October 31, 2025, at the age of 94.

A California resident since 1936, Jim lived in the Kensington neighborhood of San Diego from 1939 until graduating from Hoover High School in the Class of 1948. He attended San Diego State College from 1948 – 1951, then served in the US Army in Japan and Korea from 1951-1953.

After starting a family, Jim lived in the San Joaquin Valley before returning to San Diego in 1991. He enjoyed fishing, boating, gardening and travel and fostered a love of nature in his children and grandchildren. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather and friend.

Jim is survived by his son William Ward and daughters Diana Ward and Jamie Ohanesian, from his marriage to Marilyn Adams. He is also survived by his beloved wife of 40 years, Penny, step-son Dominic Monacchio, and his sister Patricia Varnum. Survivors also include grandchildren Chelsea Ohanesian, Shelbie Newman, Chad Ward, Dylan Ward, Hailey Johnson and Marco Monacchio. Jim was preceded in death by his sisters Rosemary Rutherford and Susan Elizabeth Ward.

A celebration of life will be held at Kensington Community Church, San Diego, where Jim and his family were long-time members. The service is planned for what would have been Jim’s 95th birthday, April 25, 2026, and will be followed by interment at Miramar National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Kensington Community Church, 4773 Marlborough Dr., San Diego Ca 92116.