James (‘Jim’) Ball passed away peacefully on May 24 in Ventura, surrounded by his family. He was 89. Born in Bradford, Pennsylvania, on August 29, 1922 to William C. Ball Sr. and Eva Henry Ball, Jim traveled across the country with his extended family in 1928. They settled in Santa Monica, where his father established the Ball Drug Company at 10th and Montana Streets. Jim and his brother Bill attended Santa Monica High, where Jim met his bride-to-be, Lolita Mecham. Although orphaned at age 16, Jim managed to stay in school and support himself until the outbreak of World War II, when he volunteered for the Armed Forces and served his country in the Pacific. Jim married Lolita during a furlough in 1943. After the war, Jim resumed his position at North American Aviation, which later became North American Rockwell. In 1947, son Steven was born, followed by son Tom in 1950. The family moved to Pacific Palisades in 1953 and their sons attended local school. Jim and his wife relocated to Oceanside in the late 1970s. Lolita passed away in 1998, and in 2007 Jim moved to Ventura to be nearer to his family. Jim Ball was a talented draftsman and engineering project manager who continued his career at North American Rockwell until retiring in 1977. His many passions included family activities, Dixieland jazz, trout fishing, golf, aviation, travel, crafts, miniatures, cartooning, playing drums and vibes, good food, parties and lots of laughter. He continued to take pleasure in his creative interests during retirement and inspired both his sons to become avid musicians. Jim is survived by sons Steven (wife Christine) of Lompoc and Tom (wife Laurie) of Santa Barbara; granddaughters Kirsten Ball and Shanynn Ryan; great-granddaughter McKenna Ryan; niece Suzanne Williamson; and loving companion Patricia Kipp. A private memorial service was held by his family and friends, who will all miss him greatly.
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