James Ballard, age 88 of Harrison, Arkansas died on Monday, July 24, 2023. He was born in Denver Colorado on August 13, 1934 to James F. Ballard and Velma Lee Hawkins Ballard.

He was known for his corny sense of humor and his infectious laughter. He could laugh over absolutely nothing and have you laughing so hard you would not be able to catch your breath.

He loved his beautiful gardens, wood working and oil painting. He loved to watch Bob Ross on Saturday mornings and dream of his next painting masterpiece.

With all of his beautiful heart, he loved is wife of 59 years, his five daughters, 8 grand children, 6 great grand children plus one on the way. He enjoyed keeping up with everyone through calls, video calls and photos. He was known as “Big Al” to his local great grandchildren and he got tickled every time they called him by his special name.

He loved Jesus more than anything and was a member of the North side Church of Christ in Harrison Arkansas. He was steady in his faith until he put his hand in THE hand of his Savior as he entered Heaven. He worked as a sheriff’s deputy in Houston, Texas, was in the Navy reserves for 10 years and he retired from TRW Mission Manufacturing in Houston, Texas after a 30 year career as the manager of Computer Operations. He moved to Arkansas after his retirement where he enjoyed the beautiful nature around him.

Survivors include his wife, Sharon Ballard, daughters Robin Rodriquez, Cheryl Walker (Embree), Jaymie Williams (John), Susan Martin (Wayne) and Leah May (CE), eight grandchildren, six great grand children. He leaves behind many friends but his best friends Ed and Grace Beaulieu were never far from his mind and were always in his heart.

He is preceded in death by his parents, James F. Ballard and Velma Hawkins Ballard, sister, Edna Ballard and his son in law, Joe Rodriguez.

There will be a private family memorial in Texas at a later date.