James Ralph Ballard

Graveside service: 1 p.m. Friday in Bluebonnet Hills Memorial Park.

Jim was born in 1925 in North Carolina and was the youngest of 13 children of Richard and Addie Ballard. He grew up working on a farm with his brothers and sisters where he learned the value of hard work and doing things right. Jim joined the Air Force in 1943 and served as a flight mechanic and navigator during World War II and Korea. After the service he worked for Buick Motor Division. He loved fast cars, boats, motorcycles, building things and working outside.

Family was important to Jim and he was a good husband and father. He retired at the early age of 55 but always remained in constant motion working with his hands and spent much of his time on his property in the country. Jim always had great stories to tell about his childhood and life experiences. His determination was strong and his outlook always positive even during his final struggle with cancer. He had a great spirit and sense of humor and will be missed by many.

Survivors: Jim is survived by his children, Debbie, Carolyn and Jim and their families; and his sisters, Pauline and Geneva.