James R. Ward, Jr., 69, of Boardman, passed away Tuesday evening at the Cleveland Clinic. James was born on August 27, 1943 in Clymer, Pa., a son of James Sr. and Viola (Strong) Ward. A 1961 graduate of Indiana High School, he went on to earn a business degree from DeVry University. Upon graduating from high school, James was employed by Bell Telephone. He later retired from the Xerox Corporation as an executive. He served in the US Army. In his spare time, James loved to travel. James leaves to cherish his precious memory his daughter, Tina (Kip) Bolon of Canton; his son, Eric Ward of Boardman; two sisters, Norma Murdick of Arizona and Judith Lias of Pennsylvania; and two grandchildren. Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, Herb Ward, who passed away in 2003. Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. on Friday at the Seederly-Mong & Beck Funeral Home in Columbiana. Friends may call one hour prior to the services at the funeral home. Burial will follow at Columbiana Cemetery. Family and friends are invited to visit www.seederly-mongandbeck.com to sign the guestbook or to send private condolences.