MCCOMB — Services for James “Jimmy” Ballard, 82, of McComb, who died Friday, Dec. 31, 2010, at Crown Health and Rehab, will be at 3 p.m. today at Jones Funeral Home in McComb.

Burial will follow at Pike Memorial Gardens with Dr. David Millican officiating under the direction of Jones Funeral Home.

Visitation will be from 1 p.m. until time of service today at the funeral home.

Ballard was born April 13, 1928, in Camden, the son of Wiley Ballard and Ruth McCool Ballard.

He worked for American Wire Bound Box in Fernwood for more than 50 years. He also worked for Southwest Drugs for over 30 years. He was a member of East McComb Baptist Church, a devout Christian man who loved the Lord, his wife and family. He was a kind, gentle man, wonderful husband, father and friend.

He was preceded in death by his parents and one grandchild, Sally Shavers.

Survivors include his wife of 64 years, Ruby Estell Ballard of McComb; one son Douglas Ballard and his wife Molly of Natchez; two daughters, Gwen Carnette and her husband Byron of Natchez, Deborah Gipson and her husband Don of Pineville, La.; one sister, Betty Ann Adams of Thomastown; seven grandchildren, Stacey Weed, Mitch Ballard, Leah Nunez, Angel Boyd, Jerrice Shavers, Jason Boyd and Kathy Savers; ten great grandchildren; a special aunt that he called sister; his beloved dog Echo; and numerous nieces, nephews, friends and relatives.

The family wants to thank the wonderful staff of Crown Health and Rehab for the special way they cared for Mr. Ballard.

Pallbearers will be Doug Ballard, Byron Carnette, Don Weed, Don Gipson, Willie Daniels and Tommy Wilkinson.

Honorary pallbearers are Keith Guy and Enoch “Shot” Dunaway.

To share sympathies and condolences go to jonesfamilyfuneralservices.net.