Jim Ward was born in Merriman, Nebraska on June 3rd, 1937 to E.W.(Red) and Bernice Ward. The family moved to Valentine, Nebraska in 1941. Jim attended school in Valentine and joined the Army in 1957. In 1959, he returned to Valentine where he met Patty Beman. They were united in marriage in 1960. To this union, four children were born: Ron, Rich, Rod and Renee. Jim had a lifetime passion for public service and was particularly proud of his career in law enforcement. Jim became Chief Deputy Sheriff of Cherry County in 1962, and he was elected to office as the Cherry County Sheriff in 1966, 1970, 1974, and 1978. Jim was a proud lifetime member of the Valentine Fire Department, a member of the Nebraska Peace Officer's Association and the National Sheriff's Association. Jim resigned as Sheriff in 1979 to become General Manager of Western Communications in Rapid City. He was transferred to Pierre in 1982. In 1984 he began working for the State of South Dakota as Area Coordinator for the Division of Emergency and Disaster Services, and retired in 2006. Always on the go, he served as Hughes County Coroner, continued his volunteer work and helped his family, neighbors, friends and the public in any way he could. He was also active in amateur radio.

Jim felt his family was his greatest accomplishment and was proud of each of them. He is survived by Patty of Pierre, sons Ron(Annette) of Valentine, Rich of Pierre, Rod of Volga and Renee(DeLoren) Krieger of Pierre; grandchildren Kyle of Florida, Jordan(Dawn) of Virginia, Jena(Tyler) Schreiber of Arizona, Jesse(Coral) Krieger of Volga, Kalie and Carly of Volga; great-grandchildren Lucas of Wisconsin, Emma of Pierre, and Collin and Maddox of Arizona; brothers Mick(Twylah), Bill(Ilene), sister Frances and brother-in-law Willis(Virginia) Brown; and many nieces and nephews. Preceding him in death were his parents, E.W.(Red) and Bernice, and sister Winnie Brown.

Jim was a great, caring and thoughtful man who will be missed by all.

Memorial service will be held on Tuesday, June 2 at 2:00 PM at Sandoz Chapel of the Pines in Valentine. Inurnment will follow at Mount Hope Cemetery in Valentine.