James Merritt Ward arrived into this world on January 22, 1949, in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. He was welcomed and adored by his mother, Lillian Cox Ward, and his Father, Wesley Ward. James decided it was time to move on to other adventures on January 8, 2025. James was known as JEEP (my how he loved those vehicles), to many of his friends who knew him during his days of driving off road in mud, rain, and rough terrain having a great time. Four wheelers, go carts, anything fast and fun. Jim loved to drive...anywhere any time, always out and about. Even during the last three years, Jim could be seen all over the Northeast side driving his electric wheelchair every day the weather allowed. And just like Jim, he was complaining about the sidewalk and street conditions. JEEP was a skilled mechanic, working on his own vehicles, and working for Duffy at Duffy's Classic Cars in Cedar Rapids. He tinkered and worked, never giving up on car problems and always found a solution if there was one. Many folks knew they were the lucky ones if he worked on their vehicles. Jim worked at Rockwell Goss for many years, with their printing press operation. He traveled the country with a team that would set up new printing press builds and get them in operation. Perfect job for Jim because he loved to travel and was happy to visit a lot of the US. Jim was a member of Grace Episcopal in Cedar Rapids. He was a volunteer at the church's Lending Closet for many years. He worked on the mechanical donations making sure they were in working order for the next person needing them. He loved fixing gadgets, putting things together, and helping anyone who needed him. He also gifted all the volunteers with his love of desserts, baking pies, cakes, and cookies, especially his favorite pineapple upside-down cake. He was always ready to celebrate a birthday for his "family" there. Jim's cousins in Iowa have many fond summer memories of childhood visits to Jim's family, fishing, running around the neighborhood, playing cards, and devouring Aunt Lillian's wonderful food. Always a time of belly laughs and joy. And when Jim came to visit, every moment was fun! Jim's loving companion for two decades was his Jack Russell terrier named Jessie. They were inseparable and where you found Jim, you found Jessie. Jim created his own tiny group of "family" wherever he lived and his Legacy Manor "family" was no exception. Jim was always Jim. If you really knew him, you knew how stubborn he was. Always ready for a conversation or a story, but if his mind was made up about anything, there would be little changing it. If you were ever blessed by Jim's huge heart, you know he always put other folks first over himself and wanted the best for everyone. If he loved you he would do anything for you. Jim's parents died a long time ago. Jim's memories and stories will be remembered by those who were blessed by his stories, his caring, and his giant heart