James Brice Ballard

Jim was the class president of his senior class at Bay Springs High School and went on to attend Mississippi State University and graduated with honors with a degree in pharmacy from Howard College, now Samford University in Birmingham, AL. He was a practicing pharmacist for many years before turning his passion for bike riding into a full-time vocation.

Always an avid exercise enthusiast, he co-founded The Bike Rack, Inc. in November, 1973 with his partner Tom Martin. He worked daily at his business until the time of his death. Owning The Bike Rack, Indian Cycle Fitness and Outdoor and Sportique, three iconic Mississippi businesses, was a great source of pride for him. He was a cycling advocate and participated in the sport for most of his life.

Jim was incredibly intelligent and was an absolute fountain of knowledge. He had forgotten more about history, exercise science and bicycles than most will ever learn in their lifetime. He thoroughly enjoyed sharing his love of history with others and often shared little known historical facts and trivia. Fiercely independent, he continued his enduring quest for knowledge and remained actively engaged in his business and family throughout his life. He will be missed by all who knew him.

Jim is preceded in death by his parents, Mabron Brice Ballard and Ruby Irene Allen Ballard, and his older brother, Dr. Jerry Denton Ballard. He is survived by his wife, Beth Dyess Ballard (Ridgeland, MS), two daughters, Denise Ballard (Pearl, MS) and Christy Ballard McCanless (Austin, TX), son-in-law, Bill McCanless (Austin, TX), two grandsons, William Connor McCanless (Irving, TX) and Logan Charles McCanless (Austin, TX), three sisters, Ann (David) Denison (Ocean Springs, MS), Diane (Dr. Pete) Mitchell (Ocean Springs, MS), and Mary Ballard (Ocean Springs, MS), former wife, Martha Ann McCormick Ballard (Rose Hill, MS), family friend and confidant, Mattie Jordan (Camden, MS), business partner Tom (Barbara) Martin (Clinton, MS) and numerous nieces, nephews, current and former employees.

A memorial service will be held at a later date.

For additional information or to leave a memory of Jim please visit www.parkwayfuneralhomeridgeland.com.