Funeral services for James C. Ballance, 79, of Arcadia, LA will be Monday, August 15, 2022 at 2:00 P.M. in First Baptist Church, Arcadia, LA with Rev. Jeff Hoffman officiating. Burial will follow in Liberty Hill Cemetery under the direction of Rockett Funeral Home, Ringgold, LA. Visitation was Sunday, August 14, 2022 at First Baptist Church, Arcadia, LA from 5:00 – 8:00 P.M.
James was born July 2, 1943 in Arcadia, LA and passed away August 13, 2022 in Shreveport, LA.
James graduated from Lisbon High School in 1961 and continued his education at Louisiana Tech where he received a bachelor’s degree in art education in 1966. Later that year he attended beauty school in New Orleans where he lived with his favorite aunt Clemmie Grigg. Upon completion of beauty school he moved back to Arcadia where he opened his shop in Mrs. Lorraine Brewer’s beauty shop. In the spring of 1967 he built his own shop which was attached to the family home in Arcadia. He remained at that location for the next 55 years until his hospitalization in late July, 2022. James was also a licensed florist and worked at night and on weekends for three different shops for a number of years making arrangements for funerals, weddings and special occasions. He also was a caterer and was known for his fruit sculptures mainly for weddings and other special events. James’ passion was working in his yard, flower beds and growing vegetables. His yard was featured on two local television stations for its exotic plants, most of which were from the Hawaiian islands. He also was known to bring large pots of peas and dumplings for special occasions at First Baptist Arcadia and served several years on the flower committee. Christmas was James’ favorite time of the year as evidenced by the number of people who received gifts of homemade candies and other items too numerous to mention. He was always quick to help others and will be missed by many.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Jamie and Lucille Ballance.
Left to cherish his memories include his brother, John E. Ballance and wife, Sherri of Jamestown, LA; step nephew, Matthew Todd and wife, Mandy; step niece, Amanda Vickers and husband, Jermey; step great nieces and nephews, Madison, Olivia, John Curtis, Adrienne, and Ella Grace and a number of other relatives and friends.
Pallbearers will be Jimmy Windham, Ronnie Perry, George Dean, Robert Kirkham, Rusty Poland, John G. Ballance, Wesley Boddie and Jerry Paola. Honorary pallbearers will be Roy Fair and Dale Halverson.
A special thanks goes out to Dr. Reeves. Dr. Nicholls, Dr. Taylor and the entire staff of Willis Knighton North’s Recovery and SICU teams. The family is forever grateful!
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to First Baptist Church 2249 Hazel St. Arcadia, LA 71001
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