Joshua Allen Ward, husband of Kaitlyn Paige Kendrick Ward and son of Dolly Stacy James was born in Paintsville, Kentucky on November 12, 1990 and departed this life surrounded by the love of his family in Lexington, Kentucky on Thursday, August 13, 2026 at the age of 35 years, 9 months, and 1 day. He was a loving husband, devoted father of three, cherished friend, respected Captain at the Three Forks Regional Jail, and a member of the Community Christian Church. He was a man who loved his family fiercely and without reservation. His wife and children were the center of his world, and he took the greatest pride in being a husband and father. Josh loved being involved in his children’s youth sports, rarely missing an opportunity to cheer them on and celebrate their accomplishments. Professionally, he proudly served as a Captain at the Three Forks Regional Jail, where he was respected for his dedication, strength, and genuine character. To those who knew him personally, he was a loyal friend and stood firmly by the people he cared about. His honesty, loyalty, humor, and fierce love for his family and friends made him one of a kind. He leaves behind a lifetime of memories that will be treasured by all who had the privilege of knowing him. In addition to his wife, Katie of Beattyville, Kentucky and mother, Dolly James of Inez, Kentucky, Josh is survived by his three children, Sadie Grace, Asher Knox, and Maverick James Ward; two sisters, Stacy Todd and Amber Ward, both of Warfield, Kentucky; one brother, Matthew James; his mother and father-in-law, Brian and Callie Kendrick of Beattyville; brother-in-law, Sean Kendrick of Lexington, Kentucky; his nieces and nephews; and a host of other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his step-father, Dewey James; and grandparents, George Jr. and Edna Stacy and Okey and Dorthy (Dot) Ward. Josh’s absence will be deeply felt, but his love will remain in the hearts of his wife, his three children, his family, friends, and the many lives he touched
throughout his journey. Services were held at Newnam Funeral Home on Monday, August 17, 2026 with Bro. Mark Treadway officiating. He was laid to rest in the Stonecoal Cemetery following the service.
