James B. Ward

Mr. James B. Ward, 76, formerly of Otsego Street, Canajoharie died peacefully on Friday December 29, 2012 after a long illness. Born in Fort Plain, New York on April 11, 1936 he was the son of the late Harley and Caroline Hurd Ward. A lifelong area resident, Jim was employed for 36 years for the NYS DOT based in Fultonville and also served as Superintendent of the Ames Cemetery for 13 years. A true community leader, Jim was active in several organizations throughout his lifetime. He was a member of the BPOE #2621 and was Past Exalted Ruler. He served as a Trustee on the Village Board of Canajoharie and was a Deputy Mayor. Jim also was a member and past chief of the Canajoharie Volunteer Fire Department. He also served as Deputy Fire Coordinator for Montgomery County and was a member of the County Cause and Origin Team. In 1956 he enlisted with the United States Air Force and served proudly for four years as a Military Police Officer until he was honorably discharged. Above all he loved his family. He enjoyed being a Coach with Canajoharie Little League and will be sadly missed by all who knew and loved him. Survivors include his wife of 51 years, Jean Phetteplace Ward; his daughter, Julie Meka and Louis Rush of Canajoharie; two sons, Jeffrey Ward and his wife Lisa of Schenectady and Jerry Ward and his wife Sandra of Canajoharie; one brother, William Ward and his wife Mary of Arizona; seven grandchildren, Jeffrey Ward, Jr., Caleb Ward, Samantha Ward, Alicia Tyrell Homkey, Jonathan Ward, James Ward and Cory Meka; three great grandchildren, Grace, Aiden and Matthew; and several nieces, nephews and cousins. He was predeceased by his siblings, Herman, John and Richard Ward and Mary Kelder; and one grandson Aaron. Funeral services for Jim will be held on Thursday, January 3, 2013 at 11 o'clock at the Lenz & Betz Funeral Home. Interment will take place in the spring in the Ames Cemetery. Relatives and friends are invited and may call at the funeral home Wednesday evening from 5 until 8p.m. In lieu of flowers, contributions in his memory may be made to the Canajoharie Volunteer Fire Department, P.O. Box 28, Canajoharie, NY 13317 the Ames Cemetery Association, 55 Otsego Street, Canajoharie, NY 13317, the BPOE #2621, Old Station Road, Nelliston, NY 13410 or to Mountain Valley Hospice, 108 Steel Avenue, Gloversville, NY 12078. Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of his neighbors at Lenz & Betz Funeral Home, 69 Otsego Street, Canajoharie, NY 13317.