James Nelson Ward

James Nelson Ward, 85, of Fred, died Friday, June 9, 2023.  He was born on February 21, 1938, in Austin, to Ruby Hayes Ward and Sim Nell Ward.  James proudly served his country in the United States Navy Reserves.

Survivors include his wife of sixty-four years, Mary Virginia Ward; son, Gary Ward and his wife, Lisa, of Silsbee; and daughter, Paula Vaughn and her husband, Kirk, of Coldspring; grandchildren, Aaron Ward; Beth Slaydon and her husband, Tyler, of Silsbee; and Zane Young and Trevor Vaughn, both of Coldspring; and great-grandchild, Blake Slaydon.  He is preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Robert Ward and Truman Ward; mother-in-law, Nelmer Whisenant; son-in-law, Chick Young; and sister-in-law, Linda Whisenant.

The family would like to send a special thank you to Sister Buffy, Olive Branch Hospice, and the Mill Creek Nurses.

A gathering of Mr. Ward’s family and friends will begin at 10:00 a.m., with his funeral service at 11:00 a.m., Monday, June 12, 2023, at Pentecostal Lighthouse Church, 6038 FM 92, Silsbee.  His interment will follow at Franks Branch Cemetery, Fred, under the direction of Broussard’s, 490 Cemetery Road, Silsbee.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Alzheimer’s Association, 700 North Street, Suite M, Beaumont, Texas 77701.