James P. Ward

September 29, 1987 - December 12, 2021

James Patrick Ward, a beloved father, son, brother, nephew, and friend, passed away on Sunday, December 12, 2021 at 34 years old. Jimmy grew up in Brick and Toms River graduating from Toms River High School North. He attended Ocean County College, and was employed by Richie & Page and Shore Point Distributors. Jimmy excelled at every sport he tried, and was especially good at soccer. He was a star defensive player for the Brick Bulldogs and the Toms River Strikers. While not playing soccer, Jimmy spent his time outdoors with friends riding quads. He was an avid reader who would devour a book in an hour and then be able to quote it years later. Jimmy was an astute political and social observer who could argue any point of view. He was a huge fan of Peyton Manning and asked for his jersey every Christmas. He randomly taught himself Spanish and wound up fluent in less than a year. Jimmy was an unbelievably talented chess player who loved playing every chance he could. He enjoyed the Red Hot Chili Peppers, and watched every episode of Law & Order and Chicago PD ever made. For the last two years Jimmy battled a serious heart condition which required two open heart surgeries. It was a battle that he fought bravely. He will be greatly missed by all of us. Jimmy was predeceased by his sister Tara Ward. He is survived by his son, Hunter Ward of Brick; his father, Patrick Ward of Brick; his mother and stepfather, Elizabeth and Frank Dante of Forked River; his sister and brother in law, Kate and Kyle Shouldice of Toms River; his sister, Nicole Ward of Brick; his brother Anthony Dante of Brick; his sister Andrea Dante of Forked River; his nieces and nephews, Kaylee, Ava, Emma, Kirsten, Dylan, and Jack; and many loving aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends. Visiting will be Thursday 4:00pm until 8:00pm at the Silverton Memorial Funeral Home 2482 Church Rd., Toms River. Funeral services will be Friday 11:00am at the funeral home arrive at 10:30am. Burial will follow at St. Joseph Cemetery, Toms River.