Jim Ballard

Mr. James "Jim" Edward Ballard, 81, of Statesville, passed away, Friday, September 12, 2014 at the Gordon Hospice House. Mr. Ballard was born December 12, 1932 in Wilkes County and was the son of the late Etta Ballard. He attended schools in Wilkes County and on January 1, 1955, he was married to Ruby Lee Shumate Ballard, who survives of the home. He worked and retired from Ross Furniture, Statesville Chair Company, Classic Leather and was a faithful member of Diamond Hill Baptist Church. In addition to his wife of 58 years, he is survived by one daughter, Gayle Ballard of Hickory, one son, Tony Ballard (Laura) of Statesville, one granddaughter, Brittany Whitaker (Wesley) of Statesville, two great grandson, Easton Whitaker and Nolan Whitaker of Statesville and one sister, Betty Wooten of Statesville. Funeral services will be conducted 2:00 p.m. Tuesday, September 16, 2014 at Diamond Hill Baptist Church with Rev. Larry Holleman, Rev. Carl Williams and Rev. Jeff Luxon officiating. Burial will follow in Oakwood Cemetery. The family will visit with friends Monday evening 6:00-8:00 p.m. at Diamond Hill Baptist Church. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Diamond Hill Baptist Church, Hospice and Palliative Care of Iredell County or to the charity of the donor's choice. Online condolences may be made to the family at www.nicholsonfunerals.com Nicholson Funeral Home is serving the Ballard family.