HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 281 Offered February 8, 2006 Celebrating the life of Felix Jack Ward. ---------- Patrons-- Ware, O., Fralin and Griffith; Senator: Bell ----------

WHEREAS, Felix Jack Ward, distinguished lawyer and World War II fighter pilot, died December 14, 2005; and

WHEREAS, born on January 2, 1919, in Pulaski, Jack Ward graduated from Pulaski High School in 1938, where he was named the most outstanding student athlete, and in 1942 attended Roanoke College; and

WHEREAS, Jack Ward enlisted in the United States Army Air Corps, began training as a fighter pilot, and was awarded his wings and commissioned as a second lieutenant in 1944; and

WHEREAS, in World War II, Jack Ward was deployed to Italy to serve as a P-51 Mustang fighter pilot in the 15th Air Force Command under the leadership of Lieutenant Colonel Robert Levine; the distinguished unit shot down 350 enemy aircraft in aerial combat and flew escort for heavy bombers in the Mediterranean Theater; and

WHEREAS, Jack Ward was promoted to first lieutenant and awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross before receiving an honorable discharge at the end of the war; and

WHEREAS, Jack Ward returned to Roanoke College and earned a bachelor of science degree in chemistry in 1948, and after graduation, he was employed as an iron worker and traveled throughout the country; and

WHEREAS, in 1951 Jack Ward entered Washington and Lee School of Law, received a law degree in 1953, and was admitted to the bar, but deferred his legal career by choosing to work for Allstate Insurance Company as a claims adjuster; and

WHEREAS, in 1965 Jack Ward began his law practice in the Roanoke Valley with the late Arthur B. Crush, Jr., establishing the law firm of Crush and Ward; and

WHEREAS, in 1969 Jack Ward served as a deputy clerk of the Municipal Court in the City of Roanoke, and in 1971 served one term as Commonwealth’s Attorney for Craig County; and

WHEREAS, Jack Ward established the firm of Ward and Zadell, P.C. in 1991, where he practiced until his retirement in June 1995; and

WHEREAS, Jack Ward mentored many young lawyers and provided pro bono legal services to citizens in need; he was active in the Roanoke Bar Association until his retirement and enjoyed a collegial relationship with members of the Roanoke City and Roanoke County/Salem Bar Associations; and

WHEREAS, Jack Ward was a member of the Central Church of the Brethren and was dedicated to his faith, his family, his country, and his profession; and

WHEREAS, Jack Ward will be missed by his family, his numerous friends and admirers, and the citizens of the Roanoke Valley; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, the Senate concurring, That the General Assembly mourn the passing of a fine attorney and outstanding Virginian, Felix Jack Ward; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to the family of Felix Jack Ward as an expression of the General Assembly’s respect for his memory.