James E. Ballew

James Edward Ballew was guided into the arms of his beloved Savior on July 13, 2025 at the age of 86.

He began his earthly life on July 14, 1938 in the Spring Hill Area of Red River County.  He grew up there as the son of James L Ballew and Margaret Ann Ballew.  He enjoyed spending time with his sibling’s, Ms. Dorothy Jo Yates, Ms. Peggy Clegg (Tom) and Herman Ballew (Vivian). On May 8, 1959, at the age of 21 his world was turned upside down when he met the love of his life while she was walking down the road, three months to the day later, he made the lovely Betty Sturdivant his bride.  This whirlwind Love affair had a happy ending that not many people see, they were married 65 years – 11 months – 5 days.  They had three wonderful sons from this marriage, James Bruce Ballew, Jacky Ballew, Steve Ballew.

James was a man of faith and fortitude, leaving behind a legacy woven with the threads of love for God and Family and a devotion to each.  His hands, ever skilled and sure, built not just the foundations of a loving family but an upholstery business that still stands today as part of the community.  He loved the Lord with every fiber of his being, this love shone forth in his very action, word and deed.  He loved God’s creation and being outside in the great outdoors.  His testament lies within the smiles of those he touched, the quiet strength he imparted, and the innumerable prayers sent heavenward for those around him.  His was a life not merely one lived but one lived well, and done so in the full embrace of the Christian virtues of hope, charity and endless love.  I am sure he heard “Well done thy good and faithful servant .” on Sunday evening.  While we will miss his gentle presence, the memories of his love and the example of his life will inspire and guide us.

He is proceeded in death by His Parents Margaret Ann and James L Ballew, His Son James Bruce Ballew, his brother Herman Ballew, and Brother in Law Tom Clegg.

Those left to honor his memory by living our own lives with the same love and commitment to the faith that he demonstrated every day include – His wife, Betty S. Ballew, Sons Jacky and Steve (Teri) His 4 grandchildren Heather Weimer (Jesse), Bryan Ballew, Robert Fisher and Brandy Sallee (Cody). He had 5 great grandchildren Lily Lockhart, Kacey Fisher, Trevor, Kyler and Olivia Sallee. 5   nephews and 3 nieces, and a host of other relatives and friends.