Jay M. Ward

Jay Ward passed away unexpectedly on June 10, 2017 in Akron, Ohio at the age of 54.

He was born in Lakawana, New York in 1962 to Charles and Nancy Ward. He graduated from the National Hardwood Lumber Grading School in Memphis, Tennessee in 1986. Jay and Stephanie were married in the fall of 1986 in Jamestown, New York. He began working for Rossi Group as a lumber grader, and eventually worked his way up to general manager over the span of 30 years.

After putting down roots in Ohio in 1993, Jay and Stephanie welcomed a daughter, Taylor ('95) and a son, Ethan ('99) into their family. Family was always Jay's favorite and greatest accomplishment.

Jay was a proud Eagle Scout and a passionate outdoorsman. He loved hunting, fishing, gardening, woodworking, cooking, and board games. His family will remember him by his selfless love, humor, work ethic, and tendency to engage in spontaneous laughter. He was central part of every family gathering.

Jay is preceded in death by his father, Charles Ward and his father-in-law, Dana Bohall. He is survived by his wife, Stephanie Ward; his two children, Taylor and Ethan Ward; his mother, Nancy Ward; his brother, Barry (Janet) Ward; his nephews, Brandon and Kyle Ward; his mother-in-law, Barbara Bohall; and his brothers-in-law, Mark and Roderick (Johanna) Bohall.

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 11 a.m. MONDAY, June 19th at St. Hilary Catholic Church, 2750 W. Market St., Fairlawn, OH 44333. Friends may call from 3 to 6 p.m. SUNDAY, June 18th at the Billow FAIRLAWN Chapel, 85 N. Miller Rd. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a memorial education fund set up for his children, as the education of his children was a priority while he was living. Donations may be sent to: Stephanie Ward for the Taylor and Ethan Ward Memorial Education Fund, c/o Barry M. Ward Co. LPA, 1 Cascade Plaza #1000, Akron, OH 44333. To share a Memory, Send a Condolence or Light a Candle, visit the Tribute Wall at www.billowfuneralhomes.com (Billow FAIRLAWN Chapel)