Obituary of John Ballard

John Robert Ballard, Sr., 84, died on Sunday, February 23, 2014 at St. Alphonsus Hospital in Boise, following a stroke. The family extends gratitude to doctors and staff for their compassion and care. Born on June 30, 1929, in Gregory, South Dakota, John was the youngest of six children of John "Jack" and Augustine "Gussie" (Hughes) Ballard. His family came to live in Mesa, Idaho, in 1937, where he attended grade school. He loved school and enjoyed playing football and basketball at Council High School. It was there he met Lillian Clarke, the love of his life. They married on March 6, 1948. John and Lillian had seven children: Cheryl Gratton, Brian (Karen) Ballard, Sharon Ballard, David (Natalie) Ballard, John Robert, Jr. (Christie Swisher) Ballard, Janet (John) McFadden, and Lorie (Steve) Chandler. He enjoyed taking his family to church and sporting events and supported them by attending endless basketball, football, baseball, soccer and volleyball games, school programs and music events. John was a great coach, especially of his sons' baseball teams, and served as an officer and coach of Boise Boys Baseball. He could kick a football, shoot a basketball, and throw a curve better than anybody else's father. And, as his golf buddies will attest, under pressure, he was the best one-eyed putter in the world. John was a loving grandfather to Joie Cariaga and Ryan Gratton; J.D. Ballard; Kelton, MaryBrogan and Joseph McFadden; Matthew John-Robert, and Clint and Kaylee Green; and to great-grandchildren, Diego and Solana Rose Cariaga. A life-long Catholic, John treasured his role as Godfather to grandchildren, Joie, Matthew, Clint and Kaylee; niece, Amanda Klagg; and grandniece, Shea Klagg. John also treasured his extended family of Bill and Barb Chandler and many nieces and nephews. John's long and successful career was centered in the trucking industry, including Boise Payette Lumber Company, Gordon MacGregor Logging, United Truck Line, Boise Kenworth, Boise Cascade, Zephyr Truck Lines, and Trebar, from which he retired in 2003. Always reaching out to others, he helped numerous people find jobs and was mentor to many. He was a dedicated, proud member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church and of the Knights of Columbus. An avid golfer, John was a past member of Hillcrest Country Club and enjoyed volunteering at the Boise Open with Lillian. He was also a past member of the Elks. A life-long learner always eager for new experiences, he rafted the Colorado River for 10 days for his 76th birthday. John and Lillian relished their travels to Ireland, the British Open, Hawaii, Canada and Branson. They also enjoyed camping trips, family reunions and Sharon's endurance horse rides. John was an active, involved citizen, and he deeply valued and supported education throughout his life. He will be remembered for his big smile, friendly spirit, endless jokes, lively discussions and great love of family and friends. He seemed to know someone wherever he went and always took time to chat. He will remain famous for delighting his family with "Big Wally" belly flops in the backyard pool. Thank you for blessing our lives. We love you to the moon and back! John was preceded in death by his parents; siblings, Kenneth, Florence, Adaline, Lou-Ann and Harold; son-in-law and buddy, Joseph Gratton; and daughter-in-law, Cat Bell. A viewing will be held Wednesday, March 5, 2014 at 5:00 pm, followed by a vigil and rosary at 6:00 pm, at Summers Funeral Home, 1205 W. Bannock Street. Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11:00 am, Thursday, March 6, 2014, John's and Lillian's 66th wedding anniversary, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 811 S. Latah St., followed by a graveside service at Morris Hill Cemetery. A reception in John's memory will follow at Hillcrest Country Club, 4610 W. Hillcrest Dr. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Sacred Heart School, 3901 Cassia St., Boise 83705. Condolences and memories may be shared with the family on John's memorial webpage at www.summersfuneral.com.