Geoffrey W. "Jim/Monk" Ward

Geoffrey W. Ward “Jim/Monk,” beloved husband, father, and papaw, passed away peacefully at his home on Friday, August 1, 2025 at the age of 68. He was born on December 15, 1956 in Gallia County, Ohio, son of the late James Orion and Mildred (Prater) Ward. He was preceded in death by his mother and father; older brother, Eddie Ward; father-in-law, John Dillard and mother-in-law, Edith Dillard; sister-in-law, Linda Shamblin; and beloved son, Tyler Ward.

Jim is survived by his loving wife of 43 years, Marsha (Dillard) Ward; they were united in marriage on December 18, 1981. They were high school sweethearts who fell in love and built a beautiful family together with their son Tyler. In addition to Marsha, Jim leaves behind a lot of family and friends who will miss him dearly: daughter-in-law, Clarissa Ward (Jeremy Spence); grandson, Grant Orion Ward and special granddaughter, Amelia Irene Ward; sisters-in-law, Sandra (James) Gillispie, Donna Barrick, and Nina Bias; brothers-in-law, John (Tammy) Dillard and Terry Dillard; bonus grandkids, Braxton and Allyson Spence; and a whole host of nieces, nephews, and extended family.

In his early years, you would find him on the football field at Kyger Creek High School where he was the quarterback and graduated in 1976. When their son came along in 1986, their whole world changed. Jim could be found coaching T-ball and working with Tyler in the garage which started at a young age. They would spend countless hours together working on a project, his favorite being his Ford Falcon. Tyler also found his love for working on “well-loved junk,” and you never knew what they would drag home next. Jim taught Tyler that good work ethic was important and how to be a good dad. One of Tyler’s first projects with his dad was restoring a 1987 Chevy Silverado, which has now been passed down to Grant.

Jim was employed by Kyger Creek Power Plant for 40 years. He made a lot of lifelong friends there over the years, friends that became like family.

Jim leaves behind three special dogs, Sammy, Daisy, and Penny. They were always close by and missed him during his hospital stays.

Pallbearers will be Chris Meaige, Levi Thompson, Jesse Thompson, Brad Beaver, Josh Handley, Sean Kelley, Nic Jones, Jason Barrick, Zach Davis, and Chase Davis. Honorary pallbearers will be Grant Ward, Jimmy Rothgeb, Craig Richards, Tommy Stump, Dwight Thompson, Greg Smith, and Allen Handley.

Services will be Friday, August 8, 2025 at 1:00 pm at Willis Funeral Home with Pastor Larry Fisher and Bob Price officiating. Friends may call at the funeral home on Friday from 11:00 am-1:00 pm. Burial will follow at Gravel Hill Cemetery. A meal will follow for family and friends at River of Life, 35 Hillview Dr., Gallipolis, Ohio.