John James Ward of Rockaway Beach died on November 8, 2023, in New York City.  He is survived by his beloved wife Lois Ward; his children Ian Ward, Brendan Ward and wife Christina, Kelly Fisher and husband Andrew, and Brian Ward; his step-son Stephen Knight and wife Maggie DuPree; his eight grandchildren Colin, Anna, Matthew, Lillian, Aria, Stephen, Thomas, and Evelyn; his sister Patricia Livingstone, his brother Michael Ward and wife Maureen; and his many nieces, nephews, and friends.  Following a courageous 14-month battle with cancer, he succumbed to complications of his illness at NYU Medical Center in East Midtown.

John was born on February 15, 1951, to Michael and Ann Ward (nee McLoughlin) of County Leitrim, Ireland.  He was predeceased by his sister Anne Walsh and husband Chubby, and his brother-in-law Cameron Livingstone.  He was named in honor of his maternal uncles John McLoughlin and James McLoughlin, both of whom died heroically fighting in the U.S. Armed Forces during World War II.

John attended Saint Camillus Grammar School and Nazareth High School.  His father Michael was an MTA Motorman who, during his lunch breaks, would watch Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig play baseball from the center track of the 4 train he drove, behind the original Yankee Stadium in the Bronx.  Michael later opened the family business Ward's Deli on Beach 108th Street in Queens.  John lost his own mother to cancer at age 9.

Known affectionately as "The Captain," "Uncle Big John," and sometimes "Johnny," John was a 35-year veteran of the New York City Police Department.  He joined the department as a Cadet, having been one of the first to graduate from John Jay College's joint Cadet program with the Police Academy.  During his distinguished career, he attained the rank of Captain in 1995, serving in multiple commands in North Brooklyn before retiring in 2004.  Earlier in his career he also taught for the Board of Education. After his retirement from the Police Department he worked as a teamster for Local 817.

John was an incredible cook, often turning out his famous "Irish" Sunday meatballs and gravy.  He was an avid sports fan; a seasoned traveler, having visited over 20 countries; a 2nd degree black belt in karate; a guitar player and singer; and a sailor at the Rockaway Point Yacht Club, where he had a sailboat.  Over the last two years, he boasted winning first place in many regattas and in most other races he sailed in. Fellow members of the club were always quick to point out that it was the boat and not the sailor who won the races. John was always quick to agree with them. He was great at a party, whether he was hosting or attending it, but if you were ever in a jam, Uncle Big John, Johnny, The Captain, was the man you called.

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Visitation
Friday (11/17)  5 PM - 9 PM

Clavin Funeral Home
7722 4th Avenue
Brooklyn, NY 11209
Complimentary Valet Parking

Funeral Mass
Saturday (11/18)  10:30 AM

Basilica of Our Lady of Perpetual Help
526 59th Street
Brooklyn, NY 11220

Celebration of Life
Immediately after the funeral mass, please join family and friends at the Rockaway Point Yacht Club.

Cemetery
Private