John Russell “Jack” Ward
January 4, 1935- April 23, 2021
John Russell “Jack” Ward, 86, of Owings, passed away Friday April 23, 2021 at Calvert Health Medical Center. He was born on January 4, 1935 in Prince Frederick to Julius Russell and Esmerelda (Bowen) Ward. Jack was raised in Huntingtown, graduated from Calvert High School, Class of 1953, and went on to attend Drexel University, graduating from his Bachelor’s program in 1958. Jack married Addie Mae Brady in September of 1959, and lived with her in Owings on their family farm while he worked as a mechanical engineer at the David Taylor Naval Ship Research and Design Center in Annapolis until his retirement in 1990. Jack was faithful and serving in many ways throughout his life; he was member of the Calvert County Board of Education, Planning Commission, and up until the time of his passing was still serving on the Board of Appeals. He was a charter member and Lieutenant Governor of the Optimist Club, and also volunteered his time to charitable organizations such as Meals on Wheels. Jack was a devoted Christian, and as a member of Huntingtown United Methodist Church he headed the committee responsible for obtaining the church’s organ, and the committee that oversaw the installment of the church’s ventilation system. Other passions of Jack’s included raising and training Gordon Setters for field trials, and tending tobacco and hay crops on his farm. Above all, Jack was an extremely committed and faithful husband, father, and grandfather.
Jack is survived by his beloved wife Addie Mae Ward, sons John David Ward of Owings, and Alan Brady Ward and his wife Rev. Laurie Gates-Ward of Waldorf, grandchildren Rachael, Jessica, Brady, and Rebecca Ward, brother Joseph Ward of Owings, sister Judy Ward Brightwell and her husband Walter of St. Leonard, and numerous nieces and nephews. Jack was preceded in death by his parents, Julius and Esmerelda, and his granddaughter, Hope Marie Ward.
In lieu of flowers donations in Jack’s name may be made to Huntingtown United Methodist Church or the Calvert County Department of Mental Health at the addresses below.
All are welcome to attend the visitation. However, due to capacity restrictions please sign-up by using the following link if you are planning on attending the service. https://rsvp.church/r/fhjl2qva
The services will be livestreamed on the Huntingtown United Methodist Youtube and Facebook pages and can be accessed by using the following links:
https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=huntingtown+united+methodist+church
Visitation
Saturday, May 1, 2021
10:00 AM – 11:00 AM
Services
- Funeral Service
Saturday, May 1, 2021
11:30 AM
Interment
- Burial
Condolences
Sort Comments
25 Apr 2021
5:17pm
Sending prayers and thinking of the Ward family.
Jack was a amazing man. His knowledge of the Bible always helped me understand the meaning of the word. You will be missed dear friend.
Marcia Rusk
City
HUNTINGTOWN
State
MD
25 Apr 2021
7:00pm
Huntingtown UMC has lost a saint. Jack was always highly respected and his opinion on whatever matter the church was involved with was thoughtfully given. His presence during controversial times was a calming influence. Thank you Jack for being the voice of reason that we needed. My deepest condolences to Addie Mae, Joe, Judy and the whole Ward extended family. Donna Phalen
City
HUNTINGTOWN
State
MD
25 Apr 2021
8:47pm
I met John 3 years ago. He was always so giving and helpful with his knowledge regarding dog training. I’ve trained wirh him and I’m so thankful to have met such a man who loved his wife, his family, his friends and his dogs. He was a remarkable man and influenced me greatly. Love you John.
City
Ellicott City
State
Md.
25 Apr 2021
9:54pm
I feel honored to have known Jack, he had such a calming and encouraging presence. I will miss his presence at HUMC, his warm smile and kind words for all. He led by example. Love and condolences to the family. Donna Deale
City
Huntingtown
State
Maryland
26 Apr 2021
8:46am
Dear JD, Alan, Laurie and families; Joe and Judy and families:
A gentle giant has fallen. A giant in his Christian ✝️ journey. A person to look up to. A person who lived his beliefs. A seeker, a student, a leader and loyal.
Bless you all in your grief. We grieve too. Peace be with you.
City
Huntingtown
State
MD
29 Apr 2021
7:24pm
Judy and family sending my Condolences to you and Walter and family.Sorry to hear about your brother passing.
City
Prince Frederick
State
Maryland
26 Apr 2021
12:58pm
Jack will be greatly missed especially at Huntingtown United Methodist Church. His knowledge of the Bible was amazing! Keeping the family in our thoughts and prayers!
City
Huntingtown
State
Maryland
26 Apr 2021
3:22pm
J.D., Alan, Addie Mae and families, our thoughts and prayers are with you during this time. We miss his pleasing personality and sense of humor.
City
Huntingtown
State
Maryland
26 Apr 2021
5:19pm
Keeping your family in our thoughts and prayers. I will truly miss (and have missed) sharing the peace with Jack, one of my favorite handshake partners. Always exuding a gentleness and in the moment presence. Heaven gained a special soul.
City
Saint Leonard
State
MD
29 Apr 2021
9:33am
Dear J.D. Alan, Addie Mae, Judy and family members – We are keeping you in our thoughts and prayers in this time of both mourning the loss of dear Jack, and being so very grateful for his life and the significant legacy of faith and service that he leaves behind. He had a strong quiet presence and clearly loved the Lord and his family. He will be greatly missed by so many.
City
Huntingtown
State
MD
30 Apr 2021
2:07pm
One would be hard pressed to name a finer gentleman and kinder soul in all of Calvert County. His quiet demeanor belied a wonderful sense of humor and a strong determination to always get things right. He selflessly shared his time and talents to build a better community, and his legacy will live on. It was my pleasure to work with him on the Calvert County Board of Appeals. I extend my sincere condolences to his family.
City
Huntingtown
State
MD
30 Apr 2021
10:30pm
JD and the Ward family,
Jack will be truly missed. You and your family will be in our thoughts and prayers. May your loving memories ease your mind during this difficult time.
City
Huntingtown
State
MD
Sort Comments
Sending prayers and thinking of the Ward family.
Jack was a amazing man. His knowledge of the Bible always helped me understand the meaning of the word. You will be missed dear friend.
Marcia Rusk
Huntingtown UMC has lost a saint. Jack was always highly respected and his opinion on whatever matter the church was involved with was thoughtfully given. His presence during controversial times was a calming influence. Thank you Jack for being the voice of reason that we needed. My deepest condolences to Addie Mae, Joe, Judy and the whole Ward extended family. Donna Phalen
I met John 3 years ago. He was always so giving and helpful with his knowledge regarding dog training. I’ve trained wirh him and I’m so thankful to have met such a man who loved his wife, his family, his friends and his dogs. He was a remarkable man and influenced me greatly. Love you John.
I feel honored to have known Jack, he had such a calming and encouraging presence. I will miss his presence at HUMC, his warm smile and kind words for all. He led by example. Love and condolences to the family. Donna Deale
Dear JD, Alan, Laurie and families; Joe and Judy and families:
A gentle giant has fallen. A giant in his Christian ✝️ journey. A person to look up to. A person who lived his beliefs. A seeker, a student, a leader and loyal.
Bless you all in your grief. We grieve too. Peace be with you.
Judy and family sending my Condolences to you and Walter and family.Sorry to hear about your brother passing.
Jack will be greatly missed especially at Huntingtown United Methodist Church. His knowledge of the Bible was amazing! Keeping the family in our thoughts and prayers!
J.D., Alan, Addie Mae and families, our thoughts and prayers are with you during this time. We miss his pleasing personality and sense of humor.
Keeping your family in our thoughts and prayers. I will truly miss (and have missed) sharing the peace with Jack, one of my favorite handshake partners. Always exuding a gentleness and in the moment presence. Heaven gained a special soul.
Dear J.D. Alan, Addie Mae, Judy and family members – We are keeping you in our thoughts and prayers in this time of both mourning the loss of dear Jack, and being so very grateful for his life and the significant legacy of faith and service that he leaves behind. He had a strong quiet presence and clearly loved the Lord and his family. He will be greatly missed by so many.
One would be hard pressed to name a finer gentleman and kinder soul in all of Calvert County. His quiet demeanor belied a wonderful sense of humor and a strong determination to always get things right. He selflessly shared his time and talents to build a better community, and his legacy will live on. It was my pleasure to work with him on the Calvert County Board of Appeals. I extend my sincere condolences to his family.
JD and the Ward family,
Jack will be truly missed. You and your family will be in our thoughts and prayers. May your loving memories ease your mind during this difficult time.