James Elvie “Pap” Ballard passed away on Jan. 18, 2025, at Madison County Nursing Home in Canton after a long battle with dementia. His family was with him until his last moments. James was born on Dec. 15, 1940, in Kilmichael. He was the son of Elvie and Juanita Ballard. James married Shirley Browning Ballard on June 29, 1962. They were married for 62 years, residing in both Winona and then Madison where they retired. He was a devoted husband to his wife, Shirley, and provided well for his family.
James was a believer in the Lord Jesus Christ and an avid church attender. He was a member of North Winona Baptist Church in Winona while his family lived there, where he served as deacon for many years and was involved in the men’s ministry and loved Sunday School. Upon moving to Madison, he and his wife, Shirley, attended Sunday School at Broadmoor Baptist Church. James was a dairy salesman for Grenada Farms and Turner’s Dairy for 32 years and serviced many towns and communities in north central Mississippi. He was very dedicated to his work and loved serving his customers and the community, and his customers loved him in return. Everyone who knew him would state how hard of a worker he was and how much they appreciated his service.
One local vendor stated, “They just don’t make them like Pap anymore.”
He would often give young men a chance to earn a little extra money doing a little work for him, and he would always follow it up with a free chocolate milk on the side. He worked with a spirit of excellence in every endeavor he would tackle, whether it was his daily work, washing the car, working his garden, or making sure the lawn was perfect.
James’s happy place was wherever his family was. He loved them with all his heart and would do anything in the world to help make their lives a little better or happier. He loved his grandkids dearly, and they adored and loved him in return. They brought him great joy, and he and Shirley would take advantage of every moment they could spend with them. He loved being “Grandpa.”
James is survived by his wife, Shirley Ballard; his two children, Michael Ballard (Regina) and Shaunna Ballard Bridges (Kevin); sister, Sue Cade of West; three grandchildren, Darby Bridges, Luke Bridges, and Jacob Ballard; five step grandchildren, Kristen Morgan, Mitch Morgan, Melissa Pacillo, Josh Pacillo, and Ryan Pacillo. He is preceded in death by his parents, Elvie and Juanita Ballard; and sister, Barbara Brewer.
Funeral services were held on Wednesday, Jan. 22 at 2 p.m. in the Oliver Funeral Home Chapel, with burial following in Winona Garden of Memory. The Rev. Ed McDaniel and the Rev. Terry Corley officiated the services. Pallbearers were Jimmy Browning, Ricky Browning, Ricky Downs, Billy Chesteen, Bill Cade, and Robbie Hemphill. Honorary pallbearers were Houston Williamson and Kelly Rodgers.
Visitation was held on Tuesday, Jan. 21 from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. at Oliver Funeral Home; and Wednesday, Jan. 22 from 1 p.m. until service time at Oliver Funeral Home.
Memorial contributions can be made to The Alzheimer’s Foundation of America, 322 8th Avenue, 16th Floor, New York, NY 10001, or online at www.alzfdn.org/donate
Oliver Funeral Home of Winona is in charge of arrangements. An online guestbook can be signed at www.ofhwinona.com
