Joel Bryson Ward, Sr.

Joel B. Ward was born March 20, 1947 to Charles and Beatrice Ward into a big family of 12 brothers and 4 sisters in Chicago, IL.. Joel Passed away March 31st at St. James’s Hospital located in Chicago Heights, IL. He was 71 years old. As a youth he attended Marshall High School where he be known as an amazing athlete and an even bigger class clown (he had a ton of one of a kind pranks). He would go on to have four kids with his first wife Sharon Burns. Joel Ward built a career that he was proud of with the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA). He remarried in 1987. Also, he was an active member of the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah Witnesses for over 25 years in Oak Park, IL. He was known for his humor, strength, and passion for serving Jehovah (He kept a Watch Tower Magazine for you). Joel Brison Ward started his study of Martial Arts in 1966. He studied Judo under Masota (Mas) Tamara at Jiu Jitsu Institute. Mas Tamara suggested to Joel to study Karate. Jiu Jitsu Institute is under the leadership of Shunichi Namba with Hollis Barnett as the main instructor. Joel later met Mr. Preston Baker who had a big influence on his life. Joel was a resident of the Sears YMCA where Mr. Baker taught Karate. Joel came into his class one day and told him that he was a Brown Belt and he wanted to join the class. Mr. Baker allowed Joel to join the class and he became one of his best students. Joel was an excellent student and was the first student to receive his Black Belt from Mr. Baker. Joel went on to win the Windy City Pros, the Sears YMCA Tournament, along with the Martin Luther King Boys Club Tournament; becoming one of the top 5 tournament fighters in the nation. Joel had excellent leadership skills and went on to teach Karate, his students were: Robert Seaberry, Emmett D. Carson, Allen P. Walker, and Noel M. Keith Barnes. He also forged a special relationship with Brad Hughes. He was survived by Debra Ward, his 3 children Rubin (Loretta) Ward, Joel B. (Tammy) Ward II, and Tiffany Flowers along with grandchildren Rubin Jr., Brandon, Keyana, Tambra, Tabitha, Destiny, Diamond, Sierra, Sir Victor, Xavier, Sharmaine and Jewel. Great grandchildren Jovon, Skye, Kamaura, and Kaylia. Siblings Sydney, Edgar, Barry, Rodney, Ulysses, Tyrone, Orson, Flash, Dennis, Sheila, Dialia and Charles. And a host of nieces, nephews and cousins. In the wake of his passing, he will join his beloved son Sir Victor Ward, grandson Jamal Ward, sisters Brenda and Gail Ward, brother Wayne Ward and parents in the presence of Jehovah. Arrangements entrusted to Chicagoland Cremation Options (773) 631-0018.