Graveside service will be Wednesday, May 13, 2020 at 2:00 pm at Memorial Park Cemetery. The services will also be live streamed on Memorial Funeral Home’s Facebook Page.
James was born June 2, 1936 to Roy and Mabel (McKenzie) Ballenger. On March 16, 1958 James married the love of his life, Mary Lou Grant. They were married for 62 beautiful years.
There were many things James enjoyed in life; pheasant hunting, Boone County Fair, fishing, cooking, gardening and Sunrise Optimist but most of all his family and friends. We’re certain we have never known a sweeter soul of a man than Pawpaw. Oh how grateful we are to have been on the receiving end of his genuine Christ-like love and joy. He had the most incredible way of making you feel so valuable, cared about, and really seen. He was truly a real-life hero in the most meaningful ways.
He is survived by: his wife, Mary Lou, daughter, Cheryl (Bruce) Perkins, of Isabella, MO, three sisters; Joan (Bob) Wilson, of Columbia, Janice (Harrell) Critchfield, of Columbia, MO, and Betty Grossi, of Mariemont Ohio; two grandchildren; Meredith (Jeremy) Craig of Ashland, and Weston (Tera) Perkins of Florida, Great Grand Children, Jacoby Craig, Waylon & Quin Perkins
He was preceded in death by his parents.
In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Woodlandville Methodist Church or Sunrise Optimist Club in c/o Memorial Funeral Home.
