James A. Ward

Long-time Kansas City resident James Arthur Ward, 97, passed at KU Medical Center, Tuesday, November 14, after a short illness.

James had a more than 40-year career with the railroad, first as a porter and later as one of the first African-Americans to become a railroad engineer.

He was married for more than 60 years to Barbara Arnice Ward, who passed in 2016.

Their children include Phillip Ward, Deborah Spencer, Bernice Holmes, Bernard Ward, Agnes Smith, Michael Ward, Craig Ward, Paul Ward, and Theresa Ward (Phillip, Bernice, Bernard, Agnes, and Craig are deceased).

Their grandchildren include Willetta Posey, Montrice Smith, Donisha Smith, Eugene Smith, James Smith, Michael Smith, Paranaka Ward, Mustapha Ward, Candice Ward, Roshanda Sperry, Glenda Gant, Brenda Ward, (deceased), Angela Spencer, Amauria Spencer, and Arianna Spencer.

Visitation is 12:30 to 2 p.m., Saturday, December 9, in the chapel at Park Lawn Funeral Home, 8251 Hillcrest Road, Kansas City, Missouri (816-523-1234). The service will follow from 2 to 3 p.m.; private burial in Green Lawn Cemetery.