James P. "Jim" Ball

Jim passed away on Friday, July 29, 2022, at the age of 89. He graduated from Downey High School in Downey, CA. After graduating from high school, he began AFROTC at the University of California, Los Angeles and graduated in 1957 as 2nd Lieutenant, with a Bachelor of Science Degree. He was later inducted into the UCLA Sports Hall of Fame as the Captain of the 1956 Track and Field National Championship team. He served in Japan at Misawa Air Base while training for the Olympics until 1958. He was an alternate for the US Olympic Team in 1960, competing in the -110M High Hurdles. In 1961, he held the world record (13.6 sec). In 1962 at Hamilton AFB, CA he met and married his wife, Sandie Ross. He served in Thule AB, Greenland, USAFA Colorado Springs, Industrial College of the Armed Forces, Washington DC, Seoul, Korea, and Hickam Air Force Base. He retired as a Lt. Colonel with 25 years of service in 1979. He was the Track and Field Coach for Evans High School and was the Assistant Track and Field Coach at Greenbrier High School in the early 80s. He served on the Augusta Sports Council Executive Board and was the Director of Health Central Wellness Center in Augusta, GA for University Hospital for 17 years from 1985-2022. Everything Jim did was for the love of his family, community, and country. Those who knew him appreciated his competitive spirit and compassion for others. He will be greatly missed by his family and those he touched during his life.
In addition to his wife Sandie, Jim is survived by his sons: Guy Ball (Tina) and Cam Ball (Christy); five grandchildren: Ross (Shannon), Kyle (Lauren), Scott (Allie), Nicole, and Troy; and great-grandchild: Jay. He was a proud Husband, Father, Grandfather and Great Grandfather, and will be waiting to meet them again. He loved his family as they were his life.
Memorial contributions may be made to a charity of your choice. A private graveside service with US Airforce Honors will be conducted at Bellevue Memorial Gardens.
The family will receive friends on Tuesday evening, August 2, 2022, from 5:00 until 7:00 P.M. at Thomas Poteet & Son Funeral Directors, 214 Davis Rd., Augusta, GA 30907 (706) 364-8484. Please sign the guestbook at www.thomaspoteet.com