The DEA Honor Roll

James “Jimmy” Milton Ward was born and raised in New York City. He was a United States Army veteran who served from 1982 until 1985. He earned the Good Conduct Medal, Commendation Medal, and Army Service Ribbon before separating with the rank of Sergeant.

He joined the New York Police Department on July 15, 1986. His first assignment was the 44 Precinct. He also served in the Organized Crime Control Bureau, the Narcotics Division, Narcotics Borough Bronx, and the Organized Crime Investigation Division. He was promoted to Detective third grade on January 31, 1992, and earned second grade on December 24, 2001. Det. Ward’s last command was as a member of the Strike Force, an elite unit that dealt with high-level drug and gun cases. On July 31, 2006, he retired out of that unit after 20 years with the Police Department. In retirement, Det. Ward and his family moved to Charlotte, North Carolina, where he received his Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of North Carolina-Charlotte.

Det. Ward was an active member of the Charlotte 10-13 Club and the Oishi Judo Club in New York, where he held a black belt and taught martial arts. In his free time, “Jimmy” loved to watch football: especially his beloved New York Giants; and he also spent time developing his skills as a proficient gardener.

Det. Ward became ill as a result of his work on the rescue and recovery from the World Trade Center terrorist attacks. After battling cancer, he passed away on January 17, 2022. His death was deemed in the line of duty and his NYPD honor roll status was approved on October 12, 2022.

Det. Second Grade James M. Ward is survived by his spouse of 26 years, three children, four sisters, and three brothers. He was buried at Salisbury National Cemetery in Salisbury, North Carolina, with military honors.

Click on the following link below to see a teenager Running 4 Heroes in his memory.