James "Jim" M. Ware

James “Jim” M. Ware went home to his Lord on October 2, 2025. He was born in Monroe, North Carolina to Edgar M. and Mary Katherine Austin Ware. 

Jim was a graduate of the United States Merchant Marine Academy where he played football. He served as a Lieutenant in the U.S. Naval Reserve. After graduation, he sailed for Humble Oil & Refining Co, before coming ashore and working at Newport News Shipbuilding and Dry Dock. Jim retired from civil service, working as an engineer for Supervisor of Shipbuilding Newport News.

Jim was a member of Benns United Methodist for over fifty years, the Adult Fellowship Sunday School class, and the United Methodist Men. He loved God, his family, his country, golfing, and the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Jim is predeceased by his parents, his sister and brother-in-law Peggy and Joseph Gnieski, his father-in-law, George Siegel, and sister-in-law, Peggy Siegel. He is survived by his wife of fifty-seven years, Terri; two sons, James “Randy” R. Ware and Matthew C. Ware; six grandchildren, Brittney Rodriquez, Coty Bradley, Kristian Ware, Myles (Deanna) Ware, Hailey Ware, and Charity Ware; one great-grandson, Gotham Rodriquez; three brothers-in-law, Jim Siegel, Steve (Rebekah Burr) Siegel, and George (Lori Swain) Siegel: his mother-in-law, Doris Siegel; and family friend, Kristina Mudrick.

A celebration of Jim's life will be held Sunday, October 5th at 3 p.m. at Benn’s United Methodist Church in Smithfield, VA. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the church. Burial will be private at St. Luke’s Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family is asking that donations be made to Benn’s United Methodist Church or the United States Merchant Marine Academy Athletic Fund.

Online condolences may be registered at www.littlesfuneralhome.com.