James Ward

A pioneer in the hospitality industry, James "Bud" Ward, 94, was the first African American Senior Vice President and Corporate Officer of a major hotel chain. He worked for the Marriott Corporation for almost 20 years, and played a key role in the world wide expansion of the hotel division, including working with the team that developed the Courtyard by Marriott Hotels. After retirement he spent another 34 plus years as an entrepreneur in the Information Technology industry. Symbiont, Inc. is now one of few multi-generational black owned IT firms in the country.
 
He passed away peacefully at his home with his wife, Eulah R. Ward of 68 years and son, Sterling Andrew Ward (Denise). Bud is also survived by his sister, Audrey Mae Brown; three grandchildren, Adina Kaleia Madden-Isaac (Tracy), James Harold Ward III (Zonasha), and Taylor Ross Ward; three great-grandchildren, Simone Avery Isaac, Wyatt Walker Ward, and Zayah Izabel Ward; and a host of nieces and nephews. Preceded in death were his sons, Forrest Carlton Ward (Karen) and Charles Walker Ward; and sister, Barbara Vivian Wilson (George).
 
 

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