Funeral services for James “Jim” Michael Ballard, 73, of Edgewood, were held Saturday, March 19, 2022, at First Baptist Church in Edgewood. Burial is scheduled for 9:30 a.m., Thursday, March 31, 2022, DFW National Cemetery in Dallas. Services are under the direction of Hiett’s LyBrand Funeral Home.

Jim passed away on Monday, March 14, 2022, at his home.

James Michael Ballard was born on Sept. 20, 1948, in Dallas, to parents James Alfred Ballard and Martha Wynell Wishard Ballard. He was raised in Lancaster where he graduated from high school. Jim enlisted in the United States Navy and proudly served his country. He married Jo Ellen Wood on March 9, 1973, at First Baptist Church in Dallas.

During his military career he and Jo Ellen lived in various places around the country and raised their three children. In 1984, he retired as a Master Chief from the United States Navy after 22 years. Jim was called to serve in the ministry and began his second career. He obtained a bachelor’s degree from Criswell College in Dallas and his master’s degree from Trinity College of the Bible and Theological Seminary in Newburgh, Indiana. He and Jo Ellen would move to the Wills Point community in 1990, to make their permanent home. Jim served as Education Director, Children’s Ministry Pastor and Senior Adult Pastor for First Baptist Church in Edgewood from 1991-2007.

He and Jo Ellen made many trips with the Senior Adult groups of First Baptist Edgewood. Jim would later end his career with the Kauf-Van Baptist Association serving in the capacity of Church Ministry Associate in 2016.

Jim was a very caring and faithful servant for the Lord. He loved his family, church family and friends and will be deeply missed by all he served.

He is preceded in death by his parents, James and Martha Ballard.

Jim is survived by his wife, Jo Ellen Ballard of Wills Point; children, Jenny Weems and husband, Gem of Edgewood, Brent Ballard and wife, Christine of Edgewood, Blake Ballard of Edgewood; siblings, Gary Ballard and wife, Earline of Gun Barrell City, Janet Tarno and husband, Paul of Gun Barrell City, Sharon Rinker and husband, Berland of El Paso, and Susan Burley and husband, Howard of Edgewood.