James Robert Ward (Jimmy) age 47 of Royal Oak, Michigan, passed away suddenly on Sunday, March 15, 2015 in Detroit, Michigan.

He was currentlyan Art Director at Doner Advertising Agency in Southfield, Michigan. He formerly worked at Campbell-Ewald. He graduated from the Center for Creative Studies in Detroit, MI. Over the years, Jim was recognized in the advertising industry by winning many honors and awards. One of his most proud achievements was having one of his TV Ads featured at the Cannes Film Festival in Cannes, France.

He enjoyed making special pieces of metal sculpture and functional art (furniture/etc.)for his many friends and clients, spending qualitytime with his family and friends, as well as, riding his Triumph motorcycle.

Beloved son of Jim and Benita Ward of Athens, TN, loving brother of Susan Kowalski of Atlanta, GA andcousin and very special friend ofMark and ClaudiaRucker of Santa Barbara, CA.

He is survived by Uncles and Aunts - Sterling and Geneva Rucker of Athens, TN, Jay and Jane Rucker of Etowah, TN, Fred and Judy Beaty of Madisonville, TN, Hubert Armstrong of Niota, TN, Harold and Jean Ward of Warren, MI, Raymond and Lucille Ross of Lakeland, TN, and Virginia Ward of Sikeston, MO.

Cousins - Wanda, Nancy, Kenny, Linda, Barbara, Danny, Doug, Meagan, Heather, Marla, Lisa, Kim, Deborah, Greg, Steve and Rodney.

And many more loving family and friends.

He was the grandson of the late Clyde and Sue Rucker of Etowah, TN and the late Jesse and Amelia Ward of Portageville, MO.

Funeral service will be held at 3:00 p.m., Saturday, March 21, 2015 at the Athens Church of Christ, 1016 North Ave, Athens, TN37303 with Mark Littleton officiating. Family will receive friends from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m., at the church prior to the service. Interment will follow the service at Conasauga Cemetery, Etowah Tennessee.