James Gerald Ballard

He was preceded in death by his parents. Jim is survived by his wife of 66 years, Dorothy “Dot” Kennedy Ballard of Shreveport, and his godson, Matthew Ballard Johnson and wife, Raine, of Houston, TX.

Jim spent his career in the oil and gas industry retiring the first time as Vice President of Tri-State Oil-Services Company. Following this retirement, he missed the oil business and started Bison Oil Tools in McAllen, Texas. Jim was a U.S. Navy Veteran where he proudly fought for his country in World War II. He and Dot were active members of Woodridge Baptist Church. Always together, Dot and Jim had a passion for traveling to their favorite destinations in Hot Springs Arkansas and the South Texas Valley. Jim was known for his kindness, generosity and caring personality; he never met a stranger. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

Honoring Jim as pallbearers are: Dean Elston, Ed Price, Rusty Howell, Jack Martin, and Tommy Johnson with Neal Ross serving as an honorary pallbearer.

Dot and Ballard would like to extend a special thank you to Barbara Walker who has been a special friend to Jim and Dot over the years and to the staff at Brookdale Senior Living for their special attention provided to Jim over the last several months.

A Celebration of Life will be held for Jim at 2:00 PM January 2, 2017 at Centuries Memorial Funeral Home Chapel in Shreveport, LA officiated by Pastor Chuck McInturf. Burial will follow at Centuries Memorial Cemetery in Shreveport, LA.