James Brian Ward “Jimmy” age 60 of Fayetteville, Ga. was called home on May 29, 2018. Jimmy was born on April 15, 1958 to the late Jean and Bob Ward.
Jimmy is survived by his wife of 33 years, Cynthia Hightower Ward, and their marriage was blessed with two sons: Nicklaus Reed Ward, who was already waiting for Jimmy in heaven and Andrew Reeves Ward, married to Kaci Cothren Ward and father to three precious girls, Kyli Michelle Rakestraw, Ivy Nickole Ward, and Rylea James Ward.
He was a graduate of Fayette County High School Class of 1976 and went on to build an incredible career as a successful sales and marketing professional in the Equipment Finance Leasing Industry. He was currently Senior Vice President of M2 Lease Funds. His colleagues will always remember his motivated and tenacious spirit when closing a deal, as well as the unwavering integrity, thoughtful insight and positive attitude that he spread throughout the office.
The epitome of a family man and pillar of the community, those who loved him will always remember Jimmy as a devoted husband, father and “Pops.” Jimmy was a beloved son, and he was a thoughtful brother that celebrated every joy, big and small, and weathered every storm that life brought. Though some could argue patience was not his strongest suit, his nieces and nephews would tell you otherwise. He was an uncle who never said no to “just one more” ride on the tube or wakeboard run. Jimmy was his friend’s first choice to go have a good time, and he was most certainly everyone’s first choice for a golf partner. Most of all, we will remember Jimmy as a faithful servant of God who brought joy to all who crossed his path.
Jimmy’s life was shaped by those who went before him, Jean and Bob Ward and Helen Hightower, and he will continue to live on in the hearts of his sister and brother-in-law Mary and Tom Mitchell of Fayetteville, Ga.; his father-in-law Jerrell Hightower and wife Shirley Easterwood of Carrollton, Ga.; his sister-in-law and brother-in-law Sharon and Tut Smith of Alpharetta, Ga. and his brother-in-law and sister-in-law Al and Kathy Hightower of Huntsville, Ala. He was adored by his nieces and nephews including: Jennifer Mitchell of Fayetteville, Ga.; Julie (Richard) Minor of Atlanta, Ga.; Natalie (Eric) Corona of Marietta, Ga.; Griffin (Caroline) Smith of Jackson, Miss.; Caroline Smith of Atlanta, Ga.; Sarah Grace Hightower of Atlanta, Ga.; Chip Hightower of Huntsville, Ala.; and Elizabeth Hightower of Huntsville, Ala.
A service to celebrate our time on earth with Jimmy was held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, June 2, 2018, at Fayetteville First Baptist Church, 205 Stonewall Ave E, Fayetteville, Ga. 30214. Pallbearers for the service were Bill Biddle, Barry Byrd, Greg Heinecke, Larry Henry, Dr. Kenny Hudson, Andy Lewis, and Ted Morgan. Chris Patton, Woody Johnson and Tut Smith will officiate. The family received friends on Friday, June 1, 2018 from 6 – 8 p.m. at Carl J. Mowell and Son Funeral Home, 180 N Jeff Davis Dr, Fayetteville, Ga. Interment was at Westminster Memorial Gardens, Peachtree City.
In lieu of flowers, the family would prefer donations be submitted in Jimmy and his late son Nicklaus’ memory to the Central Alabama Community Golf Team in hopes that the funds will help sponsor the dreams of a rising athlete. The address is 1675 Cherokee Road, Alexander City, Ala. (35010).
Carl J. Mowell & Son Funeral Home, Fayetteville – www.mowellfuneralhome.com
