About Us

 

J. S. Ward & Son, Inc. has been serving the insurance needs of Artesia, Eddy County and the Pecos Valley area since 1925.  As a fourth generation, family-owned independent insurance agency, we strive to provide the very best insurance experience. Our committed staff has the expertise and extensive experience in all facets of insurance and risk management for both personal and business needs.

We have a proud history with an unwavering commitment to provide excellent service and products to all of our clients.

Our History

  • 1925 Mr. J.S. Ward (affectionately called Grand-daddy Fritz) founded the agency.  It was originally located at the corner of First & Main Streets in Artesia in conjunction with Mr. Clyde Guy’s Service Station. 
  • 1946 The son of J.S. Ward, Mr. E.H. Ward joined the agency.  It was at this time that the agency adopted its current name J. S. Ward & Son, Inc.
  • 1964 John Knight joined the agency as a sales representative
  • 1987 Adopted the first in-house computer system
  • 1975, Mr. E.H. Ward passed away and his wife Mrs. Charlene M. Ward began filling the shoes of her deceased husband.  On our office wall hangs Mr. Ward’s Policy No. 8 written for Charles R. Martin who was Mrs. Ward’s father.  Gary Sims, the son-in-law of Mrs. Charlene Ward and husband to Sara Ward Sims joined the agency as a sales representative. 
  • 2000 The Ward building burned in an electrical fire
  • 2004 Anna Sims Byers, daughter of Sara and Gary Sims moved home to join the family insurance agency. A new building was constructed at the corner of 4th and Main Streets
  • 2005 Gary Sims celebrated 30 years with the agency and the agency celebrated 80 years in business.
  • 2010 We opened our Carlsbad location and Chad Hewitt & Casey Sowers join as sales representatives
  • 2011 We opened our Roswell location – and Mitzi Davis joined agency as a sales representative.

We are very proud of our heritage and long-standing relationship with our many clients.  We represent over 65 insurance companies which allows us to match the needs of our clients with the company providing the best product with the best price.  Our commitment to personal service has been a tradition and key driver to our success since 1925 – and will continue for generations to come.