Friends of Jim Ward

To all of Jim's Family and Friends. 

We are happy to share that the sign with Jim's message sits prominently at the entrance to Lewis-Monk Field.  His words will continue to echo for many generations of young ballplayers.  We are also proud to share that you have all helped us raise over $4,800.   Through all of this, Jim still reminds us that the citizen volunteer is alive and well in Melrose.   So enjoy the blue skies, grab a glove and have a catch.  Just please don't mess the field ...

Many thanks,

Jack Restivo and Mark Ordway


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We are friends of Jim Ward. 

Those of us that spent our days and nights  with Jim at the various baseball fields around Melrose carry those smiles even today.  Those were the best of times with unfiltered laughs, limitless stories and a sense of purpose. 

Those of us that grew up on the fields playing under Mr. Ward's guiding hand still hold those warm memories close by, to be used when colder days are upon us.  Those years were full of life's lessons under innocent skies.

Those of us that counted Jim as a friend carry that treasure today knowing his genuine spirit and sense of family remains with us.  His friendship was simple but extraordinary.

Jim  gave 20 years to Churchill American Little League and served as President for 10 years.  His genuine enthusiasm and uncompromising leadership were something we still cherish. 

We lost a piece of this when we lost Jim in 2017.  We still look over our shoulders, out of the corners of our eyes, hearing that unmistakable bellow and expect to see him walking up behind us; or driving by in his Ford Explorer busting at the seams with equipment that needed repair.  Sadly it is only the echo of time ... but Jim would be absolutely incredulous that we dwell on this void.

So we decided to share the things that Jim instilled in us with this generation and generations beyond .  His message is etched in a sign that will sit at the entrance to Lewis-Monk Field.  This sign is made from cor-ten steel that, like Jim, will age gracefully with time.  The sign tells us three things that guided Jim throughout his life and was his gift to all of us.

                                                                             Give More than you Take

                                                           Treat Others How You Want to be Treated

                                                                                         Never Give Up


We will be unveiling this sign in Jim's honor during opening day festivities at the Lewis-Monk field on Saturday, April 27 at 9:00 AM.  

We are also raising money to offset the cost of the sign with any additional proceeds to be donated to the Jimmy Fund in Jim's name through Melrose Little League.  As many of you know the Jimmy Fund was extremely important to Jim and he would be proud and humbled by this effort on his behalf.  If you wish to participate you can donate directly through this page or send a check made payable to:

The Friends of Jim Ward
c/o Jack Restivo
86 Ardsmoor Road
Melrose MA 02176

Jim gave us many gifts over the years and this is our small way to pay him back for his dedication, leadership, selfless time and, most of all, friendship.

With warm regards,

Mark Ordway and Jack Restivo