James Larry Ballard

Larry was born April 4, 1937 in Bakersfield, California. His hard working parents, Buck and Bea expected him to be successful and instilled in him drive and determination. He lived much of his childhood in Oildale, a suburb of Bakersfield where he went to school and excelled. He enrolled at UCLA and was a true-blue, loyal Bruin, rarely missing a football or basketball game. In his sophomore year he met the love of his life, Ellen Jebejian. They were married in 1959 during their senior year at UCLA. He attended USC Law School and passed the California bar exam before graduating in 1963. Larry quickly established himself as a business/real estate/trust attorney and his expertise in these fields earned him the respect of his peers and of hundreds of clients. Larry served the city of Fullerton as a Planning Commissioner for 16 years and took an active interest in the positive direction and growth of his city. Larry and Ellen traveled the world together, often times with dear friends. Larry loved to play golf with Ellen and his brother, Bob. He was a reader and always solved the daily crossword puzzles. He was master of the BBQ, grilling perfectly cooked shish kebab for family gatherings. He had a dry sense of humor, was thoughtful and wise; he was always calm and instinctively generous. Larry approached his life, his family and his friends with honesty and integrity. He was a quiet, gentle man, spoke very little, but when he did people listened. Larry was a compassionate father, a faithful, loving husband who was most happy and most comfortable when surrounded by his family. His most precious gift and legacy are his four children, Jeffrey (Tami), Susan (Randy), Peggy (Dick), Jimmy (Lesley) and his amazing, wonderful grandchildren, Lauren (Ballard) Shaw, Katelyn Ballard, Taylor, Clay, Logan and Mollie Friend, Alyssa, Tyler and Trevor Semerdjian, Ellie and Delaney Ballard. In addition he leaves his brother, Bob (Jan), his brother-in-law Richard (Barbara), many close family members and dear friends. A celebration of Larry's life will be at the Fullerton First United Methodist Church, 114 N. Pomona Ave. Fullerton CA. at 1:00 pm on Wednesday, August 13, 2014, reception to follow. Remembrances of Larry may be made to: Fullerton Education Foundation P.O. Box 5317 Fullerton, CA 92838 Ararat Home of Los Angeles 15105 Mission Hills Road Mission Hills, CA 91345