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Obituary for James Fredrick Ball
James Fredrick Ball died peacefully on April 9, 2019 at Sutter Coast Memorial Hospital. Born on November 30, 1935 in Shinglehouse, PA, James was 83 years old.
James grew up in Shinglehouse, PA where he attended and graduated from the local high school. During this time he was active in sports playing softball, baseball and basketball. He was awarded a scholarship in basketball as well as being awarded a scholarship to West Point. Following his graduation, he made the decision to study for the ministry and entered the ministerial program at Atlantic Union College and then on to Andrews University. During this time, he met his wife, Patricia E. Chase of Great Valley, NY. They were married in 1957 and raised four children
Upon completion of his BA from Andrews University in 1962, James went on to complete his MA in 1963 and was ordained into the ministry of the Seventh Day Adventist Church in 1964. After his ordination, he accepted a position as an Intern at the Pittsburg Sunnyside Church followed by his first pastorate in Sayre, PA. In 1969, he answered the call to teach bible in secondary schools in Africa, spending two years in Ghana and two years in Sierra Leone.
After returning to the United States, he continued his teaching career as a Guidance Counselor/Bible teacher within the Adventist education system. During this time, he obtained his certificate as an Educational Staff Associate for Continuing Service as Counselor from the State of Washington. He would continue to use his counseling background throughout his lifetime, giving seminars, through public speaking and private counseling. In 1980, he returned back into the ministry to pastor churches in Sitka, AK, Medford, OR and Brookings, OR, where he retired and lived with his wife, Pat, until his death.
James was also a painter by trade, and spent his spare time painting houses and businesses wherever he was located. A talented singer, you could always hear him singing as he was painting. He used his vocal talent to bless many people in ministry and on many other occasions and will be remembered by many for his beautiful “Irish Tenor” voice. He was also a gifted poet and writer and blessed many people with his poetry.
He is survived by his wife, Pat of 62 years, brother Ron Ball, sister Vicki Weiss, children Cheryl Nelson, James T. Ball, Diana Cefalo and Becky Asbury, grandchildren Daniel and Katie Nelson, Rowan and Mira Ball, Alex, Andrew and Bryce Foy. He will be greatly missed.
A memorial service will be held at the Brookings Seventh Day Adventist Church Thursday, April 18, at 4:00 p.m., located at 102 Park Avenue.
