James H. Ward, a well known citizen of Elk Creek was called to his Heavenly reward, Feb. 21, 1940. He was 81 years, 3 months and nine days old. He was married to Nancy J. Jackson October 7, 1878. To this union were born 15 children, twelve of who survive, the wife and 3 children, Emma, Fred and Howard, father and mother, two sisters and one brother preceded him. Surviving are the following: Con, Morris and John of Fremont, Nebr.; E. W. of Scribner, Nebr.; William of North Platte, Nebr.; Mrs. Ray Charleston, Fremont, Nebr.; Mrs. Otto Miller, Omaha, Nebr.; Mrs. O. G. Adams, Peru, Nebr.; Mrs. Fred Pscherer, Scribner, Nebr.; Mrs. Charles Green, Denver, Colo, Mrs. W. E. Davidson, Crockett, Va., G. F. Ward, of Elk Creek, Va., with who he made his home.

He is also survived by 32 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren. Mr. Ward's death was the third to occur in the home within the past four months. On October 8, Mr. Ward's wife passed away and only two weeks ago on Feb. 7 a granddaughter, Miss Hazel Ward passed away. Mr. Ward was a gifted singer and in the days when the old time singing school was popular he held many singing schools in various sections of Grayson and adjoining counties. He was often called upon to render special solo numbers or to join in duets, quartettes, etc. on special occasions. O sing unto the Lord a new song for He hath done marvelous things. His right hand and His holy arm have gotten him the victory.

Surely the 61 years that he shared with his faithful companion who went ahead just four months were lived in singing songs of praise of his God and bringing comfort and pleasure to his fellow man for this man and his wife in their early married life. Laid down the foundation for a Christian home and on this was built the characters that made them useful Christian citizens.

What constitutes a successful life? Not material goods but a life spent unselfishly giving the world the best we have and a sincere childlike trust in God, using the talent given us for the glory of God. This was Mr. Ward's way. To us his memory will always mean song for he was a leader. His talent was used and grew and we think we can hear the Master say, "well done, thou has been faithful, enter into the choir eternal and join in the angels chorus".

Throughout the ages if a man die shall he live again? Yes, in that home of the blest and on earth our friend will live in the lives of his children, for Psalmist tells us, "Lo, children are a heritage of the Lord". Behold that thus shall the man be blest that feareth the Lord, he has come to the end of his day. He has reached his eternal home.

The last time he attended Sunday school he was asked to sing for us the song, "No Night There", and today we feel that he has reached the city four square and God has wiped away all tears, all pains and fears for there is no night there.
Funeral services were held Thursday afternoon at 2:00 o'clock in Lebanon Methodist church at Elk Creek conducted by his pastor, Rev. J. E. Davis assisted by Rev. J. T. Booth and Rev. L. D. Mayberry and the body was interred in the family plot in Lebanon cemetery.
~ written by Mrs. W. W. Scott ~

A grandson by daughter Lucy, Phillip Green