Mr. James T. Ballew

It is with deep love and gratitude that we celebrate the life of James Thomas Ballew who passed away peacefully at the Cottages at the Veterans Hospital-Franklin R. Sousley Campus on Monday, December 15, 2025. James was born in Richmond, KY on May 7, 1934. He was the last surviving child of five siblings born to the late James W. Ballew and Talitha Huguely Ballew. James accepted Christ at an early age at Mt. Gilead Baptist Church where he loved singing in the choir, serving on the culinary committee, and being a member of the Trustee Board. In 2019, James united with Consolidated Baptist Church. James received his education from the Fayette County Public School System. He was a proud graduate of the Old Paul Laurence Dunbar High School Class of 1953. On January 3, 1955 James was drafted to the United States Army. After completing his basic training at Fort Knox, he received his orders to report to Fort Leonard Wood for an 8-week combat training period. After combat training, James boarded a ship to South Korea. James was a proud United States Army veteran. He served as Private First Class, a role he carried with honor throughout his life. He never forgot his experience in Korea and he held the memories deeply in his heart. He was so thankful God kept him safe, but he never forgot the soldiers who did not make it back home. James was a Kentucky Colonel. In 2018, he was also chosen to participate in the Honor Flight Kentucky originating from Lexington, traveling to Washington D.C. to tour memorials dedicated to veterans for their service. On April 16, 1960 James married Annel Grant Ballew, to this union one daughter was born, Genell Elizabeth Ballew. James worked and retired from Trane Manufacturing Company as a welder. After retirement, James worked part-time at the United States Postal Services as a mail handler. James was tall in statue and epic in presence. He was a man of few words but when he spoke, people listened. His words often carried history, wisdom, and stories shaped by his military service, his family life, and his deep love for his country. James cherished a simple and meaningful life. He enjoyed his leisurely trips to Sam’s Club, thoughtfully selecting household items for his family; another quiet way he showed his care and provision for those he loved. He found joy in growing and harvesting his own vegetables, taking peaceful country rides, and spending time with friends and family while sitting in his garage listening to the radio playing softly in the background. Those moments reflected the calm and steady rhythm by which he lived. James enjoyed being a member of the Dunbar Alumni Association. He was also an avid University of Louisville fan. He proudly followed the Cardinals with loyalty and enthusiasm. James loved attending his family reunions. Attending both the Huguely Family Reunion and the Ballew-Broaddus-Simpson-Noland Family Reunion were two of the highlights of the year for him. Always well-groomed and neatly dressed, James carried himself with pride and class. He was a devoted family man whose presence brought a sense of security, respect, and love to those around him. James will be deeply missed, but his legacy lives on in the stories he shared, the values he modeled, and the love he gave so quietly, yet so completely. James is survived by a loving daughter, Genell Elizabeth Ballew, a bonus and devoted granddaughter, Shyan Victoria Laine. A host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends whom he loved dearly. James was preceded in death by his wife of 65 year, Annell Grant Ballew; three brothers, Lawrence Vernon Ballew, Johnnie Evans Ballew, Aaron Parker Ballew; two sisters, Thelma Ballew Miller, Lillian Ballew Gentry.

Mr. James T. Ballew

May 7, 1934 - December 15, 2025

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Mr. James T. Ballew

May 7, 1934 - December 15, 2025

Obituary Notification

What We Do

Flowers & Gifts

About Us

Resources

Obituaries

Grief & Healing

Contact Information