Ilus "Junior" Herbert Ball, Jr

Junior passed away peacefully in Jackson at the age of 93. He is survived by his loving wife of 74 years, Julia Ball, his brother Leon Ball, sisters; Peggy Harris and Mary Jane Baker, along with numerous nieces and nephews. Junior was preceded in death by his parents Ilus Sr. and Mary Ball, brothers, Laverne Ball, Hollis Ball, Don Ball, Bob Ball and sisters Nancy Ballesteros and Norma Cuneo. 

                Junior was born in Eagle Rock, MO and was the 4th of 10 children born to Ilus and Mary Ball. In the 1940s, the family moved to California where they made their home in Amador County. Junior graduated from Sutter Creek High School in 1949. He met Julia while attending Sutter Creek High School. They worked together at Jackson Cleaners in the 1950s. They were married on October 1, 1950, at the Sutter Creek Methodist Church and began their life together in Sutter Creek. They lived in their first home for 2 years. In 1952 they bought their home in Jackson and have lived there since.

                Junior was drafted into the Marine Crops in the early 1950s. When he returned home, he started working for the Amador Central Railorad. He was a conductor/brakeman for 7 years. He then worked 4 years at the Calaveras Cement Company with his brother Don Ball. In 1962 he started working for the school district as a bus driver/custodian. He enjoyed driving the children of Amador County. He ended his career at the Assistant Superintendent of Transportation after 26 years. He retired on January 14, 1988.

                Junior was an avid fisherman and enjoyed spending time with friends and family. He loved to walk around Jackson, and you would often see him walking in the early mornings. He loved gardening and tending to his home. He and Julia enjoyed taking drives to see the fall colors up highway 88. He loved playing KENO and taking trips to Laughlin. He was a man of God and attended the First Baptist Church in Jackson. 

                The love Junior and Julia shared is a bond between two people that will never be broken. They are two extraordinary people that have influenced many. They represent tradition at its finest and have touched the lives in many. Junior was blessed to have so many wonderful friends and family and adored his great nieces and nephews. They brought so much joy to his life until his final days. He will be incredibly missed by all.

                The viewing will be held at Daneri Mortuary Chapel in Jackson on Friday, December 20, 2024, from 3:00p.m. to 6:00p.m. Graveside service will be at the Sunset View Cemetery on Monday, December 23, 2024, at 1:00p.m. 

                The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the First Baptist Church (PO Box 853, Jackson, CA 95642) and Amador STARS (PO Box 208, Jackson, CA 95642).