Dr. Paul James Ward

Dr. Paul James Ward, 70, of Traverse City passed away peacefully at home on Wednesday July 22. He was surrounded by an ocean of love after his Leukemia returned from remission. Paul Ward was born on July 12, 1956, in Albany, NY to Harold Ward and Rosemary Ward. He married the first love of his life Pauline “Paula” Ward on August 11, 1979, who passed on Sep 26, 2021. He was elated to find love again with Julie Scheier. They married on September 9, 2023.

Paul graduated from Michigan State College of Human Medicine in 1986 and completed residency training at University of Michigan Department of Family Medicine in 1989. Paul was a founding member of West Front Primary Care in Traverse City. He provided prenatal care and delivered babies until 2005 and cared for infants, children, adolescents and adults of all ages until his retirement from West Front Primary Care in 2017, after which he provided locum tenens services in New Zealand.

Paul searched and found love, music and grace in every aspect of his life. He loved to paint. Canvases, drum boxes and bookshelves were never safe from his whimsical style that heavily featured birds and guitars. He took up birding late in life, and every year was a “Big Year” for him. He never gave up the childlike glee of searching for new experiences.

Paul was an avid guitar player, and any gathering he attended would inevitably end in song. He played for his church, as a member of TC Celtic, and with his musical family and friends. He graduated from the Galloup Guitars Luthier School journeyman program and fulfilled a lifelong dream by handcrafting his own guitar.

Paul is survived by his wife Julie Scheier, son, William (Sierra) Ward, daughter, Anna (Kyle) Ward, goddaughter Sarah Challender, and stepson Gus Scheier. Also surviving are his siblings; Rose (Brent), Harlon (Monique), Susan (Ken), Linda (Ken), Steven (Sharon) and Audrey (Scott), as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his first wife Paula Ward and stepson Oscar Scheier.

Friends are welcome to visit with Paul’s family from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. on Friday, July 31, 2026 at the Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home, 305 Sixth Street, Traverse City, Michigan 49684.

A memorial service honoring Paul will take place at 11:00 a.m., with visitation starting at 10:00 a.m., on Saturday, August 1, 2026 at the Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home. Rev. Drew Peterson will officiate.

In lieu of plants or flowers, those planning an expression of sympathy should consider a memorial donation to the Food Rescue of Northwest Michigan or East Jordan Care and Share Food Pantry.