James C. Ball, 86, of St. Petersburg, Florida, passed away peacefully Sunday Nov. 26, 2023, at Kindred Hospital Bay Area, St. Petersburg.
On Nov. 26, 1937, Jim was the third of five children born to Alfred and Jeanne Ball. He was raised in Willow Grove, Pennsylvania. After high school, Jim served in the United States Air Force based out of Fort Campbell, Kentucky. He served overseas in Morocco as a crash firefighter.
Jim returned to Willow Grove where on April 15, 1961 he married Sandra (Rayburn) Ball and they shared 62 years of marriage. He was a well-known plasterer with Ball Brothers Plastering. He also managed J&J Stables which was a horse boarding and trail riding facility.
Jim and Sandy later moved to Florida where they owned and operated several businesses, including the Tavernier Hotel and Copper Kettle Restaurant in Key Largo. His passion was boating and fishing.
Jim is survived by his wife Sandy, daughter Carol Anne Mitchell (Paul, husband), and son James Alfred Ball. He was blessed with two grandchildren: Jennifer Cosgrove, Christopher Grams(Jennifer, wife), and six great grandchildren: Bailey, Carter, Julie Ann, Timmy, Madison, and Claire. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews.
His service will be at Sarasota National Cemetery on Wednesday, Dec.13, 2023, at 1 p.m.
