Jeff Ward

“ Jeffrey Ward, was born in Mankato Minnesota. Jeff's family moved to Corona Ca, 1964. His Grandparents and parents lived on a farm and were farmers. His dad went to college to study the love he had for music. This music was taught to his 3 sons. Neil played the French horn, Kent played the saxophone, and Jeff the trumpet, which Jeff started learning at 3 years of age…Neil went on to become a Graphic Artist and on the side had his own business with his art, and Kent was in the Army, then became a Prison Guard at C.I.M. Jeff also was a piano student and earned awards for his playing. Jeff's love of music was a major part of his life until his health kept him from playing. Jeff's accomplishments in music continued all through school. He was part of the award winning CHS Jazz Band that traveled to Europe. The band had corona support by doing a major Junk for Jazz" sale at the old warehouse that is now housed by Lucas oil…Sunkist made up the needed funds and sponsored them for their trip. After high school Jeff joined a band that was from some of the guys in CHS Jazz ensemble. They called them self Wasatch". They did some recording and played for lots of local events. He was also part of the Roland Furman Big band. They played for some TV shows and local events. Corona Community band was another commitment Jeff had to which they played a lot of local events, that was under the direction of Jerry Lees. Then Jeff and Vern Whitt started a band that Vern had a dream to start called Sozo. The band still is active and going strong. Jeff was part of the band when they did some recording in LA. Jeff worked for the Alpha Beta company for 28 years. He loved the people he worked with and the costumers he served. He mostly worked the deli dept. He made a sweepstakes display that sent him and his wife first class to Nashville to tour and see the CMA LIVE. Jeff's most proud accomplishment was his family…it was his will to live. His two daughters Christy Diaz who is married to Nelson, they have two boys Elijah and Dominic. Jackie Shires who is married to Aaron, they have one son, Grant. Plus, not to leave out their fur babies and ours. Jeff is also survived by many family members from Cheri's family. His brother, Neil's wife Donna and his other brother Kent's' daughters Kara Prescott married to Larry and their 2 sons Jonathan and Gavin, and Natasha Ward. Jeff was married to Cheri in 1974, and dated since the fall of 1971. He was the love of her life. They did many things together, lifetime of wonderful memories, good and not so good…They bought 4 houses in their life time.They remolded them and sold them …no they were not flippers…just liked the projects. They traveled aboard, on cruises to Bahamas more than once, Florida, Alaska, and London too. He liked to travel. Jeff has gone on to be with other family members. His 2 brothers Neil and Kent, his Parents and Grandparents, and one child-little boy to which was lost early in his life. Jeff cheated death so many times, his doctor thought he was remarkable. Jeff struggled with his illness and talked to God about it many times…he also started to see that he was blessed with five extra years after a quadruple bypass surgery…he fought a good fight, and in the end, he talked about his many blessing in life… To God be the glory great things he did for Jeff… “, “”