Mr. James Daniel "Jim" Ward

James Daniel “Jim” Ward, 63, of Navasota went to be with his Savior on Wednesday, November 27, 2013.
He was born in Llano, TX, May 12, 1950, to Gus and Adelle Brannon Ward. While attending San Marcos High School, Jim demonstrated his early leadership qualities and remarkable sense of humor. A member of the Rattler Band, Jim was the drill captain and trumpet section leader. With other section leaders in the band, Jim formed an elite musical group known as the “Tortilla Brass” (a parody of Herb Alpert’s Tijuana Brass) performing regularly at pep rallies and football games, even auditioning for Ted Mack’s Amateur Hour. He graduated in 1968 and entered Southwest Texas State University, leaving mid semester to enlist in the United States Army during the Vietnam War era, following his family’s military heritage. He married Diane “Dee” Hardesty of San Marcos, TX, on June 30, 1973.
Jim and Dee relocated to Bryan/College Station in 1975, where they co-owned and operated Carnaby Square, LTD., a ladies boutique. At the same time, Jim began working on his electrical contracting career, earning his Master’s license in the mid 80’s. While living in College Station, Jim and his family were active members of Texas Avenue Baptist Church where they made many lasting friendships.
In 1995, while on a service call for the city of Navasota, he was approached by the City Manager to apply immediately for the position of Building Official, so the family moved to Navasota where Jim served as Building Official for the city until his passing. He and his family were members of First Baptist Church in Navasota. Over the years, he touched countless lives in his dedicated service to the city and to his church.
Jim was an avid hunter and enjoyed nature and all its beauty, often taking the scenic route through life. Jim’s incredible sense of humor and vast breadth of knowledge will be greatly missed by those who knew him.
He was preceded in death by his parents and eldest brother, Art Ward. He is survived by his beloved wife of 40 years, Dee; his son, John Ward of Spring, his daughter, Lauren and her husband Matthew Julian of Navasota, his daughter Rebecca and her husband Ryan Colwell of Cypress; his elder brother, Gerald “Gerry” Ward and his wife Marva Kaye of Martindale; his aunt Dorothy Brademan of Giddings; his sister-in-law, Melanie Drummond of San Marcos; one nephew, four nieces, and numerous great-nieces and -nephews, cousins, and treasured friends.
A celebration of his life will be held at First Baptist Church (301 Church St.) of Navasota on Wednesday, December 4 at 10:00am. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the First Baptist Church Build-it-Forward Fund.