James Ward Packard was an American businessman and engineer, best known as the co-founder of the Packard Motor Car Company. Born on November 5, 1863, in Warren, Ohio, he graduated from Case Western Reserve University with a degree in mechanical engineering. Packard's passion for automobiles led him to establish his company in 1899, which became renowned for its luxury vehicles. Under Packard's leadership, the company gained a reputation for quality and innovation, producing some of the most prestigious cars of the early 20th century. He played a significant role in the automotive industry until his retirement in 1933, leaving a lasting legacy in American automotive history.