Ward Boardman Jones, Jr., at 88 of Coon Rapids, passed away peacefully at his home of over 50 years on Thursday, March 5, 2020.

Ward was born on in Cylon Township, St. Croix County, WI on May 26, 1931.  He graduated high school in New Richmond, WI in 1949 where he played football, basketball and was a member of the Glee Club.  A punctuating event was his State singing title earned in a memorable trip to Madison.  Ward married Audrey Jean Lueck on June 4, 1955 in Farmington, WI.

Ward worked as a yard truck jockey, then mechanic, and was quickly promoted to Director of Truck Maintenance for Briggs Transportation Company, an LTL carrier company well known for good salaries, benefits, and retirement plans.  The Company was a casualty of deregulation of the trucking industry in 1984 which favored independent drivers.  While at Briggs, Ward was instrumental in developing truck modifications that maximized fuel efficiency during the 1970's oil shortage.  Ward enjoyed the family cabin near Emily, Minnesota for fishing, boating, and deer hunting.  A good card game was one of his favorite pastimes, especially "Texas Hold 'em" and of course, Cribbage.  He played as often as he could, and was a regular at the Kraus Hartig VFW in Shoreview, Minnesota.  His Cribbage partners would often include Johnny Walker.

In addition to his wife of 39 years, Audrey, Ward was preceded in death by his brother, Robert; sister, Sharon Rozada; and brother-in-law, Gordy Geving.  He is survived by his children, Ward III, Brad, and Jocelyn; and grandchildren, Lindsay and Alyssa.

The family requests no memorials at the present time as a Celebration of a Life Well Spent is pending at the gravesite near Emily, Minnesota.

Arrangements entrusted to Thurston-Lindberg Funeral Home of Anoka (763) 421-0220