Obituary of James E. Ward

James E. Ward, age 74, of Eldon, Missouri, departed this life Thursday, September 8, 2011 at his residence in Eldon. James was born June 14, 1937 in Moline, Illinois, the son of Dwight E. and Kathryn (Despain) Ward. He was united in marriage to Judy Hoskins on June 8, 1957 in Moline, Illinois. She preceded him in death on November 26, 2010. James owned and operated Ward Auction with locations in Linn Creek and Osage Beach. He was a kind and thoughtful man, always there to extend a helping hand to others in need. James used his auction services many times to help various benefits and fund-raisers, including the Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, March of Dimes and Shriners. He also gave of his time to auctioneer benefits for local families who either had lost loved ones, had medical costs or whose homes were destroyed. James was a member of the Lions Club of Osage Beach and Elks Club of Osage Beach. James was a loving and devoted husband, father and grandfather and a caring neighbor and friend to all who knew him. James is survived by his daughter, Kelly Ward and husband, Alfred Ferguson, of Eldon, Missouri; his brother Jerry Ward and wife, Darleen, of Moline, Illinois; one grandson, Kyle Mitchell and wife, Alexis, of Eldon, Missouri; three great-grandchildren, Logan, Landon and Elyssa of Eldon, Missouri, along with several other relatives and many friends. James was preceded in death by his wife Judy; his daughter, Kim Ward; one brother, Bill Ward; one sister, Joanne Ward and his parents.