Mr James William Ward was born at 13 Queen Street in Southampton, Hampshire, England on 18 January 1885 and he was baptised in St James' Church, Southampton on 21 August that year.

He was the son of James Allen John Ward (b. 1861), a cab driver and later proprietor of his own cab business, and Mary Ann Newman (b. 1855). Both his parents originated in Hampshire and they had married in 1882. 

James had three siblings: Mary Amelia (1883-1956, later Mrs Alfred Musson), Ellen Elizabeth (1886-1975, later Mrs Joseph Edward Page) and William Aaron (1889-1941).

James first appeared on the 1891 census when he and his family were living at 16 Blackberry Terrace, South Stoneham.

He was not present for the 1901 census, perhaps at sea, when his family were listed as living at 17 James Street, St Mary, Southampton.

His mother passed away in 1909 and his father never remarried, continuing to operate his cab business.

James was again absent from the 1911 census; his father and brother William were listed as living at 22 James Street, Southampton.

When he signed on to the Titanic on 6 April 1912, Ward gave his address as 22 James Street, Southampton and his previous ship as the Oruba. His wages as a leading fireman were £6, 10s per month.

James William Ward died in the sinking and his body, if recovered, was never identified.

His father died in Southampton in 1939. His brother William also became a seafarer and served in the merchant fleet during WWI; he died in Portsmouth in 1941.