James "Buddy" Harley Ward

James Harley Ward, age 81, more affectionately known as “Buddy” passed away at his residence in Port St. Joe, Florida on Monday, February 12, 2024. He was born in Mobile, Alabama on April 24, 1942 to the late Dot and Harley Ward and spent his life in Gulf County. Buddy was drafted into the United States Army and served his country proudly in the Vietnam War. After the military, Buddy went to work for the St. Joe Papermill where he continued to work until the mill closed, forcing him to retire. He was an avid outdoors man that enjoyed hunting and bass fishing.

He was preceded in death by his parents; one son, Harley Ward and one brother, Sonny Ward.

Buddy is survived by his loving wife of sixty years, Anita of Port St. Joe, Florida; one daughter, Sandy Price (Stan) of Port St. Joe, Florida; one sister, Virginia Sanders (Stan) of Port St. Joe, Florida; one daughter in law, Lisa Ward; one sister in law, Mabel Ward; five grandchildren, Courtney Ward, Austin Burke (Kiersten), Andrew Burke, Hailey Ward, and Jordan Lee; five great grandchildren, Cameron Nicholson, Whitney Lee, Presley Ward, Harlee Ward, and Beckham Burke.

Graveside services will be held at 11:00 AM Eastern Time on Wednesday, February 14, 2024 at Holly Hill Cemetery in Port St. Joe, Florida.

Arrangements are entrusted to the caring staff of Comforter Funeral Home in Port St. Joe, Florida.