James "Jim" Ballard

January 29, 1948 - October 15, 2019

GREENFIELD – James Earl “Jim” Ballard, age 71, of Greenfield, passed away on Tuesday, October 15, 2019 at St. Francis Hospital. He was born on January 29, 1948 in Indianapolis to William A. And Minnie R. (Mudd) Ballard. Jim married Julia A. (Leturgez) Hood on September 6, 1987 in Nameless Creek Christian Church. He was a sign painter and artist for Ballard Sign and Graphics in Greenfield for many years. He also worked for Link Belt in Indianapolis and for Diamond Chain for over 20 years in Indianapolis. Jim was a bus driver for Greenfield Central School for over 10 years. He was a member of the Indiana Gourd Society, NHRA Club, and First Church of the Nazarene. Jim was very faith based and loved spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren. He loved time with his wife and giving her a hard time. Jim is survived by his wife, Julie Ballard of Greenfield; sons, Jim Ballard, Jr. and Troy Ballard; daughter, Shelli Ballard; stepsons, Kevin (Diane Hamm) Hood and Chad (LeDonna) Hood; four grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; brother, Robert Ballard; and sister, Kathy (Paul) Crane. He was preceded in death by his parents; and brother, William A. Ballard, Jr. A celebration of Jim’s life will be held on Saturday, November 9, 2019 from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at J.B. Stephens Elementary School, 1331 N. Blue Rd., Greenfield, IN 46140. Friends may share a memory or condolence at www.erleweinmortuary.com. Arrangements are being handled by Erlewein Mortuary & Crematory in Greenfield.