James Leslie Ward, a resident of Green Forest, died Feb. 12, 2004, in Greenville, Ill. at the age of 43.

James was a retired Explosive Ordnance Disposal agent of the United States Army and while on active duty was chosen to serve at the inauguration of former United State President Ronald Reagan. He finished his service as an E.O.D. instructor.

James was preceded in death by his parents, James and Donna Ward; a brother, Delbert Charles Ward; and two half-brothers, James Sexton and Eugene Sexton.

He is survived by four children, James A. Ward, Linda Ward, Cindy Ward, and Audrey Ward; five brothers, Galen W. Ward, Edward H. Ward, William B. Ward, Robert M. Ward and Gerald L. Ward; and five sisters, Ramona L. Rizzi, Susan E. Flores, Rosalee A. Castro, Angela G. Cox and Ladonna A. Baker, as well as a host of nieces and nephews.

James was a loving father and brother and served with great dedication in the Army for nearly 20 years.

Funeral services were held at Fowler Funeral Home in Brinkley, Ark., on Feb. 18.