James Elvis Ward

James Elvis Ward, 64, of Poplar Bluff, Mo., passed away Thursday, Oct. 19, 2017 at St. Clare Hospital in Fenton, Mo.

James, the son of the late Leo and Wilma (Raper) Ward, was born July 19, 1953 in Poplar Bluff. He was a member of Living Word Baptist Church and had retired from the Poplar Bluff Park Department as a Maintenance Supervisor. James enjoyed spending time with his family, especially with his grandchildren, and watching St. Louis Cardinals baseball.

On March 23, 1996, he married Joy Yarbro in Poplar Bluff. She survives.

Other survivors include three children, Matt Ward, Neisha Ward and Cassie Nobles of Poplar Bluff; three grandchildren, Noah Nobles, Keegan Ward and Rosalie Nobles; two sisters, Betty Jo Schaefer and Jenny Kraichley of St. Louis; and several nieces and nephews.

Two sisters, Wanda Whittenburg and Delores Ward also preceded James in death.

The visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. Monday at Cotrell Funeral Chapel. The funeral service will begin at 10 a.m. Tuesday at Cotrell Funeral Chapel with Pastor Donny Emmons officiating. Burial will be in the Woodlawn section of the Poplar Bluff City Cemetery.

Memorial donation may be made to Living Word Baptist Church, 456 Township Line Road, Poplar Bluff, MO 63901 or to National Stroke Association, 9707 East Easter Lane, Suite B, Centennial, CO 80112.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.cotrellfuneralservice.com.