James Avis Ballard Sr.

A loving father and grandfather, he passed away Friday, Oct. 21, 2011, at the age of 87. He was a native of Livingston Parish and resident of Gonzales. He was a retired member of Baton Rouge Operating Engineers Local 406. He is survived by his sons and daughters-in-law, James A. Ballard Jr., Ricky E. Ballard and Nancy, Thomas “Tinker” W. Ballard and Terri; and grandchildren, Jeremy, Ryan, Allison, Courtney, Blaire and Debra Ballard. He was preceded in death by his wife, Joy Fleming Ballard; parents, Samantha “Rocky” Wascom and Guy Ballard; sisters, Neva Lea Ferguson, Carolyn Gene Arceneaux, Velma Ballard and Ava Ballard; brother, Clyde Ballard; and a daughter-in-law, Theresa Sutton Ballard. Pallbearers will be James Jr., Ricky, Thomas, Jeremy, Ryan Ballard and Pat Arceneaux. There will be a visitation at Ourso Funeral Home, Gonzales, on Monday, Oct. 24, from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Visitation will resume at the funeral home Tuesday, Oct. 25, from 9 a.m. until 11 a.m. Following the visitation, there will be a graveside service at Greenoaks Memorial Park in Baton Rouge, where the internment will take place. The family would like to thank Cannon Hospice, especially Ms. Tammy Logarbo, Gonzales Health Care and a special thanks to “Miss Mary” Joseph for all her love and dedication she has given “PawPaw” for the past 8 years. We love you very much! To offer condolences to the family, please visit www.oursofh.com