Born in Millinocket, Maine in 1905, John F. Ward was educated at local schools and Boston University where he pursued a law degree.
Elected to the Maine House of Representatives for the 1943, 1945 and 1947 terms, he served as Speaker of that body in 1947 and 1948.
Elected to the Maine Senate for the 1949, 1951 and 1953 terms, he served as Senate President only for the Special Session of 1954 due to the resignation of Nathaniel Haskell.