Jerry L. Ball

Born on March 17, 1942, in Myra, West Virginia, Jerry was the third of seven children of the late James Garfield Ball and Mary Ethel Ball. From an early age, Jerry displayed a strong work ethic and entrepreneurial spirit, running a sanitation truck service in Hamlin, West Virginia, which expanded significantly under his leadership. After an early job search at the Ford manufacturing plant proved unfruitful, Jerry and his friend Robert Taylor chose to enlist in the United States Air Force—a decision that would define the rest of his life.

A Distinguished Military Career

Chief Ball’s Air Force journey began on November 14, 1961 at Greenville AFB, Mississippi, where he completed firefighting school before being stationed at Atlantic Highlands Air Force Station in New Jersey. His assignments spanned the globe, including Misawa AB, Japan; Tan Son Nhut and Phan Rang Air Bases in Vietnam; Randolph AFB, Texas, MacDill AFB, Florida, Yokota AFB, Japan, Offutt AFB, Nebraska, Spandahlem AFB, Germany and again at Randolph AFB, Texas. As a rescue specialist aboard the HH-43B “Pedro” firefighting helicopter, Chief Ball flew 315 combat sorties in Vietnam from 1967 to 1969, responding to countless emergencies. For his heroic service, he received seven Air Medals and the prestigious Airman’s Medal.

While on rest and recuperation in 1968, Jerry married his beloved wife Kuniko in Tokyo, Japan—a partnership that would span more than five decades.

In the later years of his military service, Chief Ball served as Fire Chief at Spangdahlem AB, Germany, one of his most cherished assignments, followed by Randolph AFB, Texas. After 30 years of service, he retired from the Air Force at the rank of Chief Master Sergeant.

Continuing a Legacy of Service

After retiring from active duty, Jerry continued his commitment to public service. He worked for the Texas Commission on Fire Protection, then served five years as Deputy Fire Chief at Kelly AFB. Later, he became Fire Chief at Lackland AFB, leading the consolidated fire services during the closure and realignment of Kelly AFB. He officially retired from civil service after a remarkable 45-year career in fire protection and emergency response.

A Life Well Lived

Jerry remained in San Antonio, Texas, during retirement. He was an avid car enthusiast who took pride in restoring a 1955 Chevy and a custom ’51 Ford convertible. He and Kuniko also enjoyed traveling to reunions and cruising throughout Japan.

A devoted husband, father, and grandfather, Jerry took immense pride in his children and grandchildren, attending their events and celebrating their accomplishments. He remained active in military and firefighter communities, contributing to the Pedro Rescue Helicopter Association and the Military Firefighter Heritage Foundation. As a member of the Pedro Rescue Helicopter Association he helped place monuments to keep the legacy of Air Rescue Service alive. One of these monuments can be found at JBSA Lackland on the parade trail. His work helped honor the legacy of firefighting personnel, including the fabrication and dedication of a Fire Suppression Kit display next to the HH-43B helicopter at Goodfellow AFB. In 2023, Chief Ball was inducted into the Military Firefighter Heritage Foundation’s Hall of Fame.

Jerry loved staying connected with friends and fellow servicemembers, often meeting for lunch and sharing memories online.

Legacy and Family

Chief Ball is preceded in death by his parents and five siblings: Janice, Odell, William, Cline, and Samuel Ball. He is survived by his devoted wife, Kuniko Ball; his son, Craig Ball (Lindita); daughter, Tanya Ball Gill (Garry); and his cherished grandchildren: Davis Gill, Peyton Gill, and Gracelin Ball. He is also survived by his brother, Bobby Ball, as well as many nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, the family invites you to honor Jerry’s legacy by making a donation to the American Cancer Society or the Military Firefighter Heritage Foundation (P.O. Box 60241, San Angelo, TX 76906).

From the hills of West Virginia to the airfields of the world, Chief Jerry Leeland Ball dedicated his life to service, honor, and family. His legacy lives on in the lives he protected, the people he mentored, and the loved ones who will carry his memory forward.