James Sidney Ball

James Sidney Ball, Sr. (Jim) of Cherokee, Texas, passed away at his home on Tuesday, April 22, 2014 at the age of 66. He was born on July 15, 1947 in Brownwood, Texas to Billie Helen (Smith) Ball and Jesse James Ball. He was a graduate of Goldthwaite High School and Tarleton State University where he got his Bachelor of Science Degree and later his Master of Science Teaching Degree and his Approved Educator Preparation Certification for Administration. After his college graduation, Jim married Melody Ann Johnson on August 9, 1969, in San Saba, Texas. Melody was Jim's loving companion for 44 years and was by his side through all the years. Jim devoted 35 years of his life to the public school system. He began his career as an Ag Teacher in Eldorado, Texas, before later moving to Comanche, Texas, where he also worked as an Ag teacher for several years. From there, he moved to Sidney, Texas, where he served as the Ag Teacher and principal, before making his final stop in Cherokee, Texas, where he acted as the Superintendent for the final 14 years of his career. Throughout his life, Jim served on multiple boards, including the Central Texas Electric Co-op Board and the Central Texas Telephone Co-op Info-Net Board. In 2004, Jim retired from public education and fulfilled his dream of becoming a cattle rancher and devoted his remaining days to his family and grandkids. Aside from spending time with his family, Jim enjoyed ranching, hunting, golfing, playing dominos and was a avid sports fan. He loved watching the Texas Rangers and cussing the Dallas Cowboys. He is survived by his wife; Melody of Cherokee; children and grandchildren; Sid and Kristi Ball of Lampasas and their children Jessica, Jamie and Jenna; Blake and Stacy Gage of Cibolo and their son, Brady; and Stan and Dawn Ball of Boerne and their children Lauren and Hudson. He is also survived by his brother; Greg Jernigan and his wife, Annetta of Valley Mills; his aunt and uncle, Johnnie and Margaret Smith of Burnet. He is preceded in death by his mother, Billie Helen Jernigan: his step-father, Forrest Jernigan; siblings, Kathryn Ball and Jessie Ball; and grandparents, C.S. and Roena Smith.

James Sidney Ball

July 15, 1947 - April 22, 2014