James J. Ward (born Jens P. Wilson in 1886 in Denmark – January 7, 1923) was a pioneer aviator who made one of the earliest attempts at transcontinental flight. Biography He flew a Curtiss Model D pusher biplane named the "Hearst Pathfinder". On September 13, 1911 he attempted to win the William Randolph Hearst Prize flying from Governors Island in New York to California. He withdrew from the race on September 22, 1911 after his aircraft's engine failed and he crashed in Addison, New York. References External links James J. Ward at Early Aviators 1880s births 1923 deaths 1911 in aviation Danish emigrants to the United States