We are saddened to hear of the passing of Old Collegian and former staff member Br James (Jim) Ward cfc (SPC 1945-47, PY1948) on 29 December 2025, aged 94 years, at St Joseph’s Home, Northcote.
He was the son of the late Ben and Jean Ward and is survived by siblings, Leo, Mary and Anne, along with numerous nieces and nephews.
The funeral mass was celebrated in the chapel at St Joseph’s Home on 14 January, 2026.
Br Ward shared his life story with the College back in 2021 in this story here
Br Ward was a student at SPC for three years, departing after completing Leaving class. He was better known to many as ‘Ben’ Ward (after his brother Ben who was there before him). He said his decision to join the Christian Brothers “was built on a long-time desire to give me life to God and life as a religious teacher seemed to fill the bill”.
Mr Ward returned to St Patrick’s on staff and was living on site when the Ballarat community was closed in 2012. He moved to the Edmund Rice Hostel in St Kilda.
Br Ward has been remembered by current staff for his “strong presence of faith”.
