1907

Married: Ruth Hudgins

Children: Jim Hudgins Ward, Rosalyn Ruth Ward, Sarah Jane Ward Jaeger

Mr. Ward, was reared in Bedford County and graduated from Middle Tennesse State College in 1930. Did graduate work at the University of Arkansas and University of Tennessee. After graduation he taught math in Coffee County until 1936 when he became the Agricultural Extension Agent in Wilson County. During his career he helped establish the Wilson County Soil Conservation District (1942), the Wilson County Purebred Hereford Association (1936), The Purebred Sheep Producers Association (1941), the Rural Electrification Program and the Artificial Breeders Association.

Mr. Ward implemented improved farming methods over the county and was instrumental in expanding the beef, sheep, hog and poultry industries. He established Community Improvement Clubs throughout the county which raised the standard of living for many in Wilson County. He was a member of the Lebanon Rotary, Sportsmen Club, and director of the Chamber of the Commerce. He received the Distinguished Service Award for County Agent and represented the 46th District as a delegate to the Constitutional Convention.

The James E. Ward Agricultural Center is named in his honor.