The Jim Ward Family's legacy at Cheyenne Frontier Days™ began in 1974 when J.D. Ward joined the Contestants/Rodeo Committee as a timer at Chute 9. While J.D. served as a timer for over 35 years, little did he know that his commitment would spark a tradition spanning four generations, with over 16 family members contributing their time and passion to the “Daddy of ‘Em All”.
The Ward Family’s four generations of active participation in CFD has been vast and impressive, with different family members being involved as Mounted and Foot Parades Marshals, Parade Color Guard, Rodeo Committee TOEs, Dandies, Miss Frontier, Parades, Volunteers of the Year, Cowboy Bistro volunteers, saddling horses at the AA Barn, hosting the Pendleton Round-Up Queen and Court, serving as Sponsor Host, assisting with Chuckwagon Races, the Stripping Chutes, Behind the Chutes tours, Chuckwagon Cookoffs, and so on.
Jim Ward, a pivotal figure in the family's CFD journey, began his own involvement in 1977, working in the parade lot by harnessing horses. Eventually, Jim also began helping with the Branding Wagon and the Bomb Squad.
Jim became an Assistant Chairman in 1991, was elected to the HEELs in 1992, and became the Parades Chairman in 1997, where during his term as Chairman he started the Behind the Chutes tours and brought the Chuckwagon Cooking competition to CFD.
Jim served on the CFD Old West Museum’s Board of Directors for nine years and served as its President for two years. Later, as a member of the CFD Board of Directors, Jim spearheaded fiscal restructuring that significantly boosted the organization’s financial stability. Currently, Jim serves as the President of the CFD Cheyenne Carriage Collection and is coming up on his 48th year as a CFD volunteer in 2025.
Ultimately, the Ward Family has served on seven different CFD committees over the last 50 years. Their collective efforts have not only shaped CFD's history but continue to shape its future, ensuring that the "Daddy of 'Em All" remains a vibrant celebration of the American West for generations to come.