03/19/2024
Guild Family and Friends,
We learned of the passing of Jim Ward, and it was especially hard to write a post about this. I did not wish to cover the details of his career as many have. I did not want it to be about his many contributions to the Guild, Dungeoneer, or other products. That can be covered by others.
I wanted it to speak of his spirit. He was a Good, Honest, and Kindhearted Man.
Because of those qualities, he will be dearly missed on several levels in our industry and society as a whole. He stood up to what he believed were moral wrongs, and paid personally for those sacrifices. In many ways, he suffered for being a Nice Guy in a dog-eat-dog world.
Years ago, and I have known him for many years, I tagged him with the title "Biggest Heart in Gaming," and I believed it to be true. He would always offer help, suggestions, and his time. We can always use people like that, and although many did use Jim for his creativity and intelligence, we all gained joy from his works. They were many, and uniquely Ward.
Lastly, I will say Jim suffered in his last years. Health took its toll in a cruel fashion, and his mind was often bothered by the spirits of the past; mostly injustices he was subjected to, because he was that Nice Guy, who would not bow to do the dirty work of his masters. I am torn between sadness for the loss of such a Good Person, and gladness that his suffering has ended.
Remember Jim Ward, and try to be like him in spirit. A Spirit of Kindness may cost you financially, but such a friend can never be bought. May God embrace this Good Man.
- Bob Bledsaw II - JG
