Jim Ward, Voice of Ben 10’s Grandpa Max, and Professor X Dies After Advanced Alzheimer’s

Jim Ward, the beloved voice behind Grandpa Max in Ben 10 and Professor X in Wolverine & the X-Men, has died following complications of advanced Alzheimer’s disease. He was 64. His family and colleagues confirmed the news, sharing that Ward had been battling the illness for several years and had stepped away from voice acting due to its progression.

Fans knew him for his warm, authoritative voice and the way he brought animated characters to life. His work stretched across animation, video games, and radio, making him one of the most recognisable voices of the 2000s.

Jim Ward's Cause of Death: What Happened To Him?

So heartbreaking to hear that Jim Ward has passed away. He voiced some of my favorite Ben 10 aliens like Diamondhead, XLR8 and Wildvine and his characters were a huge part of my childhood. Thank you for all the iconic voices and memories.

Rest in peace. pic.twitter.com/7ZQ2AmJfyh

— BEN 10 (@Ben10protector) December 11, 2025

Jim Ward died due to complications of advanced Alzheimer’s, a progressive brain disorder that slowly destroys memory, thinking skills, and the ability to carry out basic tasks. According to statements shared by his family and confirmed in recent reports, Ward’s condition worsened over the past few years, eventually requiring full-time care. 

His wife, Janice Ryan Ward, shared that he passed due to complications from advanced Alzheimer's. He had battled the disease for eight years and lived in a memory care facility in Los Angeles. This came after a tough 2021, when a severe COVID-19 case and early memory issues forced him to retire from acting.

Advanced Alzheimer’s can lead to severe cognitive decline, difficulty swallowing, increased infections, and reduced ability to communicate, all of which contribute to life-threatening complications.

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What the WHO Says About Advanced Alzheimer’s?

The World Health Organization (WHO) notes that Alzheimer’s is the most common cause of dementia worldwide and affects more than 55 million people. The organisation explains that advanced Alzheimer’s leads to significant brain tissue loss and disrupts essential functions like mobility, communication, and swallowing.

WHO also highlights that:

• There is no cure yet, but early diagnosis helps families plan treatment and support.
• Healthy lifestyle habits like regular exercise, blood pressure control, and quitting smoking may help lower risk.

Who Jim Ward Was and His Voice Characters

Jim Ward was one of those voice actors you recognised even if you didn’t know his name. He voiced some of the most iconic animated characters across TV, films, and games.

We’ve lost Jim Ward today. He voiced a bunch of characters in Fairly Odd Parents (Doug Dimmadome, Chet Ubetcha), Ratchet and Clank (Captain Quark), and so much more.

God speed, man. And thank you. pic.twitter.com/epLqbmJCGl

— Squil | VA (@sftsquil) December 11, 2025

A quick look at his major roles:

• Grandpa Max in Ben 10
• Professor Charles Xavier in Wolverine & the X-Men
• Captain Quark in the Ratchet & Clank video game series
• Roles in The Avengers: Earth’s Mightiest Heroes, Star Wars, and countless radio shows

Ward’s performances had warmth and humour. Fans especially remember Grandpa Max — steady, brave, and always ready to guide Ben and Gwen. His work shaped childhoods and left a mark on pop culture.

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Conclusion

Jim Ward’s passing is not only a loss for the animation and gaming world but also a reminder of how devastating advanced Alzheimer’s can be. His legacy lives on through the characters he voiced so brilliantly, and his story helps shine a light on a condition that affects millions of families.