Mr. James Orville Ward, Sr., age 88, of Covington, Virginia, went to be with the Lord on January 31, 2016 at his home surrounded by his loving family.

He was the husband of Mildred June Romanello Ward.

Mr. Ward was born July 24, 1927 in West Virginia, the son of the late Wilmer Ward and Vada Graham Ward and was the last surviving of his siblings.

He was a very loving husband, father, grandfather and friend. In his younger years, James was an avid hunter, fisherman, loved gardening and playing with his grandchildren. He loved the outdoors.

Mr. Ward was a member of the United Baptist Church.

In addition to his caring and loving wife of forty years, Mildred; seven children, Elizabeth Trout and husband, Johnny, Patty Lipes, James Ward, Jr. and wife, Deanna, all of Covington; Judy Redden and husband, Richie, of Beckley, WV, Dwayne Ward and wife, Crystal of Covington; Kathy Zuna and husband, Jamie of Fredericksburg and Yolanda Green of Covington; thirteen grandchildren; sixteen great grandchildren; two great great grandchildren; many nieces and nephews; and his furry companion, Rosco.

A memorial service will be conducted at 5:00 p.m. Saturday, February 6, 2016 from the chapel of Loving Funeral Home with Rev. Jason Cochran officiating.

The family will receive friends following the service.

The family suggests that memorial tributes take the form of contributions to Mountain Regional Hospice, P. O. Box 637, Clifton Forge, VA 24422.

Arrangements are being handled by Loving Funeral Home; www.lovingfuneralhome1913.com.