James K. “Jim” Ballard
Jim was born September 9th, 1950, the son of the late George K Ballard and Leona Butler Ballard. He was one of twelve siblings.
Jim now joins his sisters Carolyn, Susan, Cathy and Patricia and brothers Stephan, Kevin, and John. Jim also joins the love of his life, Ginny.
Jim was a hard worker as anyone that knew him would see, even after his retirement from Roxbury Central School custodial staff for 37 years, he still did side jobs cleaning and maintenance for the Roxbury Arts Group, the Mark Project building in Arkville, and the Park at Kirkside in Roxbury. He always took so much pride in his work as many would agree. A one of a kind very special man. He loved seeing and hearing people laughing and happy. I heard about his game shows every day and he was so happy for all those people on the game show that he never met. He loved life, his family first and foremost. Jim and his siblings will truly be missed but never forgotten.
Surviving Jim are his brother Richard C Ballard and Sherry of Sydney, New York, his beautiful most loving sister Marilyn and I do believe she was his favorite, Deltona, FL., Joyce Thomas Spring Hill, FL., Phyllis Kochersberger Delhi, NY and stepsons Steven William Nealon of Edgewater, FL and Bobby Nealon of Oceanside, CA. Jim is also survived by many grandchildren Ashlee, Dylan, Cassidy, Gabrielle, and Rachel along with many loving nieces and nephews.
Jim stayed in touch faithfully with his sister-in-law Donna O'Hare from New Jersey, he loved their evening phone calls, he always said she was special to him. As far as cousins go, I couldn't name them all, any time he needed anything they were there to help. Eva and Rob Sanford helped Jim always when he needed anything, and oh yes, maybe there was some fudge or cake or pie along with their help. He loved them all and he always shared not only with me but his awesome loving neighbors up the road Bart and Connie Basile. They had a unique friendship many others would love to have had and I can't say thank you enough times!!
Denver/Vega Valley, my brother has loved his whole life and to be the last Ballard family member to own and care for the family homestead was his treasure and he had so much pride in keeping it looking GOOD!!
I really need to end this because if I don't, we will never get it in the paper.
A little humor just for you my loving brother, rest in peace, your work is done and your family says thank you !!
A graveside committal service will be held on Thursday, September 10th at 11 AM in the Vega Mountain Cemetery with Rev .Dykstra officiating.