Ward, James "Jim"

KANNAPOLIS Mr. James "Jim" Arnold Ward, 72, passed away Friday, Feb. 3, 2017, at Tucker Hospice House in Kannapolis. A funeral service is scheduled for 11 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 7, at Lady's Funeral Home Chapel. The Rev. Mary Hatley will officiate. Interment will follow at Carolina Memorial Park in Kannapolis. The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Monday, Feb. 6, at Lady's Funeral Home. Mr. Ward was born April 29, 1944, in Cabarrus County. He was a son of the late Raymond McLain and Elsie Ward. He retired from Cannon Mills where he worked as a weaver. Jim was as avid woodworker and enjoyed camping in the mountains. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two sisters, JoAnn Lyerly and Peggy Gibbs; two brothers, Bob Freeze and Harold Freeze; and a grandson, Casey Wilkinson. Mr. Ward is survived by two sons, Steve Ward, of Kannapolis and Todd Ward and wife, Diane, of Kannapolis; five grandchildren, Corey Ward, Brandi Ward, Joe Gibson, Hunter Eudy and Gabriel Eudy; and one great-grandchild. He is also survived by his longtime friend, Deborah Tucker and special friend, Gail Wilhelm. Memorials may be sent to the American Heart Association, 128 South Tryon St. #1588, Charlotte, NC 28202 or to the American Cancer Society, 1901 Brunswick Ave. #100, Charlotte, NC 28207. Remembrances may be sent to the family at www.ladysfuneralhome.com. Lady's Funeral Home & Crematory is assisting the family of Mr. Ward.