Charles Fred Ward, who was known as Jim, and his wife, Marjorie, were familiar and popular figures at Trent Bridge and they were married for 58 years.Marjorie died on December 22 and Jim passed away less than a week later on December 27.Former Notts chairman Cliff Gillott, who also served as Mr Ward's vice chairman, said: "Jim was a sound man in business principles, morality and everything else you can think of."He was a straight talker who did not 'pussy foot' around and provided a great role model for some of the younger members of the committee."He served his country in the war and his county in both commerce and cricket and all-in-all was a very good man to have around."Mr Ward was born and raised in Nottingham, attending High Pavement School in the city and was a keen cricketer himself, bowling leg spin for Wollaton's Second XI.He began work with a firm of accountants but as a member of the Territorial Army his training was interrupted when he was called up to serve with the South Notts Hussars in North Africa.He was taken prisoner at Tobruk, in Libya, and was held in Italy before he escaped, was recaptured and transferred to Germany and continued his training while held captive.He married Marjorie in 1946 and they moved to Wollaton and had a son, Simon and daughter, Jane.He eventually became chairman of Dobson Park Industries of Colwick and was first co-opted on to the Notts committee in April 1979.He joined permanently in 1980, became vice chairman in 1982 and chairman in 1983 - a post he held for four years.He was awarded the CBE for his services to industry in the mid 80s and later served as president of the county cricket club in 1993 and 1994.The Wards both continued to attend matches at Trent Bridge up until last season.There will be a joint funeral for Jim and Marjorie at Bramcote Crematorium on Friday at noon.The family has requested donations are made in place of sending flowers on 0115 922 0433.