Rev. Dr. James K. Ward, III a devoted servant of God, gifted musician and beloved family member, was born on March 5, 1964, in Memphis, TN, to the union of Evelyn Jerdine and Bishop Jimmie Ward, Jr.  Rev. Dr. Ward peacefully transitioned from this side of eternity to his heavenly home on December 17, 2025.

Rev. Ward accepted Christ at an early age and was a faithful member of St. Andrew AME Church in Memphis, TN, where the foundation of faith, service and leadership was laid. As a youth, Rev. Ward's love for God and a passion for music and worship began to flourish.  A gifted vocalist, he served as Choir Director of the Nelson Foster Singers, and was a featured soloist, and also sang with the Starletts Children's Choir.  His musical journey began in middle school and continued through high school, supported by formal training for classical singing.

During his formative years, Rev. Ward was active in JROTC and the Boxdale Boys Club and developed a lifelong passion for martial arts at the age of 12, in which he excelled.  As a teenager, he broadened his worldviews as a foreign exchange student in Paris, France.  He graduated from White Station High School in Memphis, TN, in 1982 nad continued his education at the University of Memphis, TN, in 1982 and continued his education ath the University of Houston.  He later received certification and training in social work and counseling.  Rev. Ward was a natural leader.  He served as president on several organizational levels and held the distinguished role nd Connectional Committee Chair of the Young Peopls's Division of the AME Church.

Answering a higher calling, Rev. Ward became a Certified Christian Counselor and an ordained Christian Pastor.  He earned his Doctor of Divinity from United National Church Biblical Studies Seminary and served as CEO and JKW Productions, a nonprofit organization.  He also served as Youth Pastor at First Mount Carmel MBC.  He, his wife Lady Kenyetta, Minister Mikeia, Ronnie Seacrease, and Linda McCoy all worked hand in hand in the powerful ministry of Kook Kids 4 Christ.  He also erved as a member of the Houston Singing Quartet, National Youth Supervisor of the National Gospel Ministries, Youth Moderator of the Northeast District,a nd Yuth Ministry Coordinator of Rehobeth Metro Fellowship of Churches.

Rev. Ward leaves to cherish his precious memory his wife, Lady Kenetta Smith-Ward; his mother, Evelyn Jerdine (Robert Jerdine); stepmother, Thelma Ward (Bishop Jimmie Ward, Jr.,); grandmother, Marie Rockamore; his daughter, Jameea ward (Christopher Johnson); stepchildren, Kelon Tidwell and Keshanti Tidwell; siblings, Lora Jerline, Robert Jerdine, Jr., Kay Carson (JC Carson), Faye Wilson, and Henry Lee Wilson (Daphne Wilson); Aunt Ethel Richardson; along with a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and many, many dear friends.

Rev. Ward was preceded in death by his father, Bishop Jimmie Ward, Jr. and his uncles, William, Rudy and Ricky Ward; Jesse Rockamore.

Rev. Ward truly embodied a life well lived.  He was a man of God who cared deeply, and his selfless service knew no bounds.  One of the greatest joys of his life was his daughter, Jameea.  The special bond they shared was a precious gift from God.  Rev. Ward's loving persons, warm smile, and gracious Demeanor will forever be deeply missed by all who knew him.