OLD LYME—James Francis Ward Jr. of Old Lyme, passed away Jan. 6, 2025, at Yale New Haven Hospital. Born in Pittsfield, Mass., he was the son of the late James Ward and Noreen Deyo Ward.
Jim was a cherished partner to Sheila McTigue-Ward of Old Lyme and a loving father to Meghan Danko (Dan) of Franklin and Ethan Harris of Old Lyme. He was also an energetic and devoted grandfather of Brooke and Reagan Danko. Finally, he was a beloved brother to Kathleen Pascale of Clinton and Timothy Ward of North Branford, and uncle to numerous nieces and nephews.
For Jim, stewardship-caring for the people and the planet-was the core of a meaningful life. His dedication to sustainability, education, and community upliftment was unwavering, but he didn’t wear that commitment like a heavy burden. Instead, Jim carried it with a light touch and a playful grin, always ready to share a laugh or start a silly game, especially with kids. His life was proof that deep purpose and deep joy could walk hand in hand.
Jim earned his Bachelor of Social Work from Southern Connecticut State University and a Master’s in Educational Technology from the University of Connecticut. His career began as a social worker, shifted to auto body work, then transitioned into education, where he served as a teacher, coach and Technology Coordinator at Voluntown Elementary School for numerous years.
Jim’s passion for gardening and food justice led him to establish the Lyme-Old Lyme Food Share Garden (LOLFSG), where the community grows fresh produce for local food banks. LOLFSG volunteers have donated thousands of pounds of vegetables, while the garden also has become an inclusive hub for learning and new friendships.
Those who knew Jim describe him as gentle, unassuming, and endlessly creative-a man who could work with his hands as skillfully as he could with his mind. Jim found joy in hiking and his imagination blossomed in the woods; his hikes were typically followed by a flurry of activity in the kitchen or the workshop. He was a source of inspiration, a builder of dreams, and a steadfast friend. In short, good things happened whenever Jim was around. (And many things happened when Jim was around because he never stopped moving!) Jim’s legacy lives on in the thriving garden he helped cultivate, the people he inspired, and the enduring example of stewardship he embodied. His impact will be felt for generations.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Jim’s memory can be made to the Lyme-Old Lyme Food Share Garden or Shoreline Soup Kitchens & Pantries to continue the work that was so close to his heart. A celebration of Jim’s life will be held at a later date, where family and friends will gather to honor his memory.
Jim’s legacy is a powerful reminder that caring for others and the world around us can create a lasting ripple of good.
Please visit www.fultontherouxoldlyme.com for tributes.
Rest in peace Jim. My condolences to the family. You will be missed by many for sure.
I would suggest that the garden area at Town Woods Park be named “The Jim Ward Memorial Garden at Town Woods Park”. Very fitting and well deserved in my opinion.
I was thinking about the same thing Don, and it is wonderful to see your suggestion. Jim was quiet in his stewardship but had the impact of a giant. I am so saddened by Jim’s passing and the loss to our community, My prayers are with Sheila, Jim’s family, and the many people who loved him.
Jim was an inspiration on so many fronts and generous with his time and energies. While launching the Lyme-Old Lyme Food Share Garden, his UConn Master Gardener intern project, he agreed to serve as co-chair of Town of Old Lyme’s reconstituted Waste and Recycling Committee. Jim led through example: He organized his neighbors to collect their fruit & vegetable peelings for composting. Instead of adding to the town’s collected trash, this wet waste was diverted into valuable organic matter for the Food Share Garden. We should follow Jim’s practices. Memorializing the garden area at Town Woods Park would be a fitting tribute.