The field of Agriculture was his job – the curing of country style hams was his hobby. James E. Ward, also known 
by his friends as “Big Jim”, enjoyed hosting his famous Annual Country Ham Breakfast at his home. He organized the “Ole Time Country Ham Show” at the Tennessee State Fair during the years he served as Superintendent. Each day during the State Fair, Big Jim demonstrated the correct way to cure and cook country ham. He was Wilson County’s U.T. Agricultural Extension Service Leader for over 37 years. He was a member of the Wilson County Chamber of Commerce for over 30 years where he was awarded a Lifetime Membership.
The Smokehouse was donated by the Ward Family and moved to Fiddlers Grove in 1998.