James Allen Ward, Sr.

James Allen Ward, Sr., 85, of Crossett, went home to be with his Lord and Savior surrounded by his family on November 10, 2024.  He was born in Louisiana to James Grady Ward and Lucille Pepper Ward on September 14, 1939. 

At the age of four, his family moved to Junction City, AR.  In 1954, a new girl named Kathleen Johnson moved from Tillar, Arkansas and started going to his school.  As soon as he saw her, he said, “I am going to marry her.”  They began dating in 1955 at the age of sixteen.  They graduated together in 1957, were married on September 13, 1958, and were happily married for sixty-six years.

James began his career working at a dry cleaner in El Dorado, Arkansas, before moving on to a position at a local bank. In 1964, after he and his wife started their family, James accepted a job at Georgia Pacific, prompting the family’s move to Crossett. He remained a dedicated employee of Georgia Pacific for forty years.

James enjoyed spending time outdoors, with a passion for fishing, hunting, and camping. Every summer from 1970 to 2003, he took his family on memorable camping trips to Lake Greeson, creating cherished memories together.

At the age of nine, James accepted Jesus into his heart while living in Junction City. When he moved to Crossett, he and his family became active members of North Crossett First Baptist Church. He faithfully served the church as a deacon, Sunday School Director, teacher, and choir member. After his retirement in 2004, he contributed to the construction of the new church building, leaving a lasting impact on his community and congregation.

Along with his parents, he is preceded in death by one granddaughter, JoAnna Ward, and two Brother-in-laws, Kimbro and Bobby Johnson.

He leaves behind his beloved wife, Kathleen Ward; two sons, Allen Ward (Lois), and Dewey Ward (Ila); and one daughter, Pam Kannard (Steve) all of Crossett; along with two sisters, Barbara Price (Darryl), and Sharron Ray both of Tampa, FL; seven grandchildren, Tia Smith, Kiri Griffith, Aaron Smith, Keyla Castleberry, Jacob Ward, Jaci Ward, and Bradley Murphy; thirteen great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandson.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Wednesday, November 13th, at the North Crossett First Baptist Church, 1035, Hwy 133 N, Crossett, with Bro. Keith Martin, officiating, followed by interment at Pinewood Memorial Park under the direction of Medders Funeral Home of Crossett.  Pallbearers are the deacons of North Crossett First Baptist Church.

A "come and go" visitation will be from 5:00-7:00 p.m., on Tuesday, at James and Kathleen’s home, 154 Malloy St, in Crossett.

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