Surrounded by his loving family, Jeff Ward of Brandon, Florida passed peacefully at Melech Hospice House, on Sunday, January 26, 2025. His spirit is carried on by his four children, Jenna Alise, Andree Nichole Ward-Conti (Craig), Andrew Renick, and Michelle Elizabeth Ward. Proud grandpa of Lillian and Juliet Flynn. Jeff is survived by his siblings Brad Ward (Janet) and Debbie Ward-Eichhorn(Steven) and is loved by his extended family and friends from every walk of life. Jeffery is predeceased by his parents George Ward and Ida Temes Ward, sister Elizabeth ‘Kay Kay’ Ward.

Jeff was very recognizable at Brandon High School as the handsome, easy-going guy who loved fast cars, dirt bikes, hanging out with friends, and great parties. He was on the football team and did modeling. He also received a medal for squatting the most during his years as an Eagle. Jeff developed his love for people and the Ward house was common place for friends to go when Brandon, Florida was full of orange trees and dark starry nights.

Jeff joined many leadership groups, political and academic and became a member of the Gauchos, along with his dad and brother, Brad Ward. Setting his sights on USF for his undergrad in Political Science, he graduated with honors and was accepted into the prestigious Baylor School, where he continued to excel. He was a successful leader on the debate team, winning many regional tournaments. With great pride, he was sworn in by Sandra Day O’Conner in front of the US Supreme Court.

During law school he traveled from Florida, Texas, Ohio, Colorado and California. Family helped out a great deal during those difficult times of transition. Eventually Jeff would land his most important job at Certegy, specializing in international mergers and acquisitions, where work colleagues would become family.

While raising his family with then wife Anne Garrett, Jeff took priority to make the time between 90-hour work weeks, international work trips, and long commutes to and from work every day to spend time with his children. Jeff was the type of father who would wake up the kids after he returned from a long trip with a suitcase packed full of treats and gifts.  Jeff also went by “coach’ during the years his kid’s played basketball, motocross, and swimming.

Jeff also respected the individuality of his children and encouraged their interests and goals. He especially enjoyed traveling with his family, with every trip packed with memorable adventures such as white-water rafting, deep sea fishing, slippery ski slopes, or a sunny cruise.

But strength and growth come only through continuous effort and struggle. Tragically, Jeff would meet his greatest challenge with his Parkinson’s Plus diagnosis at the age of 39 and find himself on total disability within 2 years of that diagnosis. Other devastating family challenges would pile on. Even during this difficult time, Jeff continued to selflessly volunteer at food banks, support others in need, and assisted fundraising efforts for the Parkinson’s Foundation through various events.

In his final years, ultimately his greatest care would come from his youngest daughter, Michelle. She would also give him the greatest gift of continued life; Lillian Elizabeth Flynn, named after her deceased aunt Kay Kay, and Juliet Carolyn Flynn. Those two beautiful babies would extend his life by many unexpected years.

Although his voice was barely audible at the end he remained dignified, funny and cheeky. His family surrounded him during his final hours and he knew everything was going to be okay.

We will miss his wit, his strength, his fight, his complete love of family. We will carry on his good work. We love you so much Jeffery.

 

Jeffery has been cremated and a Celebration of Life Service will be held at the Apostles Lutheran Church, 200 Kingsway Rd, Brandon FL on Saturday February 15, 2025, from 11:00am -2:00pm. Rev. Luke Delasin and Robert L. White presiding, with remembrances commencing at 12:00pm. If desired, donations to the Michael J. Fox Foundation, in support of Parkinson’s research, would be appreciated. Online condolences may be sent to Jeff’s Facebook page.