William James "Jim" Ballard, 79 of Paragould, passed away September 17, 2015 at Lawrence Memorial Hospital in Walnut Ridge.   Jim was born October 1, 1935 in Tuckerman, AR to Larkin and Ruth Ballard.  Mr. Ballard was a retired public school administrator with the Greene County Tech School District in Paragould. He was a member and music director of Light Baptist Church. The joys of his life were his family and his music.  Also, he was known as an avid jogger.

Preceding him in death was his father.

Survivors include his wife, Mary Ann (Ivy) Ballard of the home; daughter, Cindi Ballard of Nashville, TN; son and daughter in law, Patrick and Mandy Ballard; one granddaughter, Sammi Jo Ballard all of Paragould; mother, Ruth Ballard of Walnut Ridge; brother, Jack Ballard of Kansas City, KS; and multiple nieces and nephews.

The family will receive friends 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. Sunday, September 20, 2015, at Phillips Funeral Home.  A procession will leave Phillips Funeral Home at 2:00 p.m. for a graveside service at Mt. Zion Cemetery with Raymond Atwood and Tommy Stacy officiating.

Charlton Cupp, Scott Wharton, Joe Pratt, Jesse Hancock, Kevin Tedder, and Tommy Justus will serve as pallbearers.  Bill Booher and Chester Key will serve as honorary pallbearers.

Lasting memorials may be made to Light Baptist Church Memorial Fund, Per: David Pratt, 17125 Hwy 412 W., Light, AR  72439.