James Arnold Ball

James grew up on a pig farm, learning that hard work does pay off. Times were hard, but they always had plenty of food to eat. His father was a carpenter and built houses. This influenced him to build a home of his own, doing much of the work himself. As he got older, he aspired to go to college. His father knew this, but could not afford to send him, so he joined the US Navy.

He served in the US Navy from June 1955 to June 1958. He served on three Aircraft Carriers. He was stationed on the USS Yorktown (CV-10), USS Oriskany (CV-34), and USS Princeton (CV-37), obtaining the rank of Interior Communications Technician Second Class (IC2). He considered this a pivotal period in his life, setting him up for future success. He loved to tell stories about his time in the Navy.

He earned a Master’s Degree in Electrical Engineering from Louisiana Tech. While being married to his wife, Hazel Ann Osbon Ball. After college, he worked for the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) for 33 Years in Huntsville, Alabama, before retiring. His first big project was the flight computers for Skylab. He also worked on the flight computers for the Space Shuttle, along with several experiments that flew aboard this spacecraft. One of his big achievements was his work on the Hubble Telescope, allowing the ability to see further out into the universe than ever before.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Irving and Blanche, brothers, Obers, Buphord, Samuel, Irving Francis, and Dwight L. Ball, and sisters Naomi Jones and Viola Odom. He is survived by his sister Margaret Owen, three children: Anthony Ball (Valerie), Roslind Landau (Henry Bun), and Brian Ball (Karen); twelve grandchildren: Jason Ball, Natalie Atchley (Brandon), Meagan Venable (JD), Scott Willis (Cathy), Josh Willis (Rachael), Joel Willis (Christina), Grace Willis, Christina Bray (Michael), Brendon Ball, Grace Willis, and David Landau and twelve great-grandchildren.

James was a long-standing member of the First Assembly of God in Huntsville, Alabama. In his latter years, he was a faithful attender of Weatherly Road Assembly of God. His faith was very important to him. He read the bible several times over and would stay at the church on Sunday afternoon, praying for revival.

He loved to travel and once took a long trip to the Grand Canyon with his sister Naomi. What an exciting trip they had. They only got lost a few times and had to call back once to get his checks canceled due to being stolen. They had a good time and returned safely.

Graveside services will be held Wednesday, March 18, 2026 at 1:00 p.m. in Old Parker’s Chapel Cemetery under the direction of Young’s Funeral Directors. Military honors by the U. S. Navy Honor Guard.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.youngsfuneralhome.com.