James "Jr" Ball, Jr.

On the morning of February 4, 2023, Mr. James Ball, known as J.R. or Jim to friends, transitioned into his heavenly home. He was a proud native of the mountains of Yancey County, North Carolina. James, his parents James Wesley Ball and Ossie Coates Ball, and his sister Mary Beulah worked their field of tobacco for many years to survive economically. James graduated from Yancey County’s Bald Creek High School in 1955, Mars Hill College in 1957, East Tennessee State College in 1959, and the University of Tennessee School of Social Work in 1966.

Throughout his life, James enjoyed nature, good music, baseball and held a special love of woodworking. The greatest joy coming from his wood turning skills was the friends he made.

He was a member of Fernwood Baptist Church. James is survived by his wife Miriam Houk Ball, a daughter Melissa B. Al-Khalil (Tony), son Cameron Keith Ball and two granddaughters Megan and Hope. He is also proud to claim with love, his nephews Yancey Hall and Randall Hall (Ginger) as well as Randy’s son and daughter.

James was a retired employee of the State of South Carolina having worked for DSS, SC Vocational Rehabilitation and Spartanburg Area Mental Health Center with a combined total of 42 years.

The family would like to extend a special thanks to Marina Vowell for her compassionate help caring for James these past months. Any donations in James’ memory would be appreciated at the St. Luke’s Free Medical Center or Mobile Meals.

Visitation will be 1:30 - 2:30 p.m. Saturday, February 11, 2023 at Floyd’s Greenlawn Chapel, 2075 East Main Street, Spartanburg, SC 29307. A Memorial service will be at 3:00 p.m. at the chapel, conducted by The Rev. Dr. James Rentz.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Luke’s Free Medical Center, P.O. Box 3466, Spartanburg, SC 29304, online at www.slfmc.org/donors.

Floyd’s Greenlawn Chapel