James LaVern "Jim" Ward, age 83

October 18, 1935 – April 01, 2019

James LaVern "Jim" Ward, age 83, of Lake Placid, Florida, formerly of Jasper County, Illinois, and Toledo, Illinois; passed away at 7:38 PM – Monday, April 01, 2019, at his home.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 AM – Tuesday, April 9, 2019, at Meyer Funeral Home in Newton, Illinois, with burial in the Aten Cemetery in Hidalgo, Illinois.  Visitation will be held 5:00-7:00 PM – Monday, April 8, 2019 at the funeral home.  The obituary can be viewed and condolences left at www.meyerfh.com .

James LaVern better known "Jim" was born on October 18, 1935, in Rose Hill, Illinois, the son of Kenneth and Thelma (Wilson) Ward.  He married Nancie Goldman on February 14, 1975, at Newton, Illinois and she survives.  Jim was a carpenter out of local 347 Lake Placid, Florida.  He and Nancie owned and operated Hilltop Market and Garden Center on Route 121 south west of Toledo, Illinois for several years.

Jim was a member of the Eastside Christian Church in Lake Placid, Florida.  He enjoyed fishing, taking care of his yard and gardening.

Jim is survived by:

Wife of 44 years - Nancie (Goldman) Ward of Lake Placid, Florida

Sons - Jerry Ward of Wyoming; Robert Ward of O'Fallon, Missouri; Roger Ward of Newton, Illinois; Scott (Beth) Ward of Monticello, Minnesota

Daughters - Peggy Ward of Charleston, Illinois, Lori Ward of Corrigan, Texas

and Irene (David) Carter of Lake Placid, Florida

Brother - Dale (Marilyn) Ward of Mattoon, Illinois

Sisters - Roena (Darrell) Dart of Carlinville, Illinois, Darlene (Alan) Toliver of Winder, Georgia;  Sharon (Harold) Einhorn of Newton, Illinois and Marsha (Rodney) Cochran of Newton, Illinois

Several grandchildren and great grandchildren also survive

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, son Andrew Ward, a brother Earl Ward and a grandson Nicholas Ward.