Jim, Age 88 of Sun City Center, Florida, passed away on November 22, 2024 at the Lifepath Hospice House.

Born on June 26, 1936, to James & Audrey Ballard in Huntington, WV, Jim was raised in Barboursville, WV where he met his wife of 69 years, Betty.  He was preceded in death by both his parents, James Ballard and Audrey Kuhn Ballard. He was also preceded in death by his son, James Michael Ballard.  He is survived by his wife, Betty Ballard, and daughter, Stephanie Ballard Turley.

Jim fully understood the phrase “Living life to its fullest”.  When he was 18, he joined the Air Force and served our country until he was discharged in 1960 with a medical disability, due to surgery on his eyes.  While in the service he had the distinct honor of working with Wernher Von Braun, the German-American aerospace engineer and space architect. Jim later went on to work for IBM where he spent the remainder of his career.  He had many great accomplishments during his IBM career, and he enjoyed talking about them with anyone who would listen.

Jim loved the Lord, and he loved his church family. He attended First Baptist Church of Ruskin, in Ruskin, Florida.  He was a founding member of the Navigators Bible Class.  He had a deep concern for the shut-ins of the church who were not able to come to church services.  He determined that he would bring the service to them, and he began the church video ministry.  He worked in the video booth for as long as his body would allow, and once he was no longer able to climb the stairs, he continued to work on the editing.  This ministry, in his mind, would prove to be his greatest passion.

Memorial Service will be held on Tuesday, December 10th at 11:00am.  Services will be held at First Baptist Church of Ruskin, 820 College Ave W, Ruskin, FL 33570.  

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Jim’s favorite charities, Tunels to Towers or International Fellowship of Christians and Jews.