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James Balch Obituary

James L. Balch Battle Creek James L. Balch, 68 of Battle Creek, died Saturday, January 2, 2010 at his home. He was born July 17, 1941 in Coldwater, Michigan the son of Lester and Alice (Rex) Balch. In 1960 he graduated from Lakeview High School and went on to serve in the U.S. Air Force. Jim had worked at Clark Equipment for 23 years and Harvard Industries for several years prior to the plant closings and then retired from Tennico in Marshall as an electrician. He enjoyed square dancing, playing golf, bowled at both Nottke's and M-66, and was a fan of football and NASCAR. He was a member of Eagles Lodge #229 and the Moose Lodge in Marshall. On July 2, 1977, he was married to Nancy Lynn (Lanko), who survives. Also surviving are five children: Lila Jane "Janie" Balch, Jimmy (Stephanie) Balch, Jr. and Danny (Traci) Balch all of Battle Creek, David (Karen) Balch of Portage and Kelly (Don) First of Three Rivers; twelve grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; and two sisters: Ginger Harris of New Jersey and Helen (Art) Shields of Florida. Jim was preceded in death by his parents and an infant daughter: Patricia Sue Balch. Visitation will be after 2:00 p.m. Tuesday at the Richard A. Henry Funeral Home were the family will be present to receive friends from 2:00 to 4:00 and 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. A memorial luncheon to celebrate Jim's life will be held at Eagles Lodge #229, 19757 Capital Avenue, N.E. on Wednesday from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. Memorial contributions may be given to the American Cancer Society or the American Heart Association.

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Published by Battle Creek Enquirer on Jan. 4, 2010.

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Sherry Gammon/Lindner

February 3, 2010

Uncle Jim you were my favorite. You made a wonderful impact on my childhood! I will always remember your kindness and laughter! Me 6 yrs old standing on the dock at your parents lake with your cane pole screaming I caught a fish I caught a fish--with my 2 inch sunfish for you to laugh and come running to take off the hook as I wouldn't touch it :) Driving around from pharmacy to pharmacy with you to fill a prescription for Danny as a baby, that 3 pharmacist could not read. The 4th one figured it out Karo Syrup. You were ticked cause the Doctor had such lousy handwriting no one could figure out what the script was suppose to be and we wasted all that time driving around from drugstore to drugstore, only to find out it was just Karo syrup to be mixed in his bottle.You will be so missed--I will be there at your golf outing :) Love Your Oldest Niece Sherry

Carrie Lowe

January 7, 2010

Richard and I loved JB like nothing else in this world. We are so saddened by his passing. Nancy we are here if you need anything.

Jenny Wright& Dave Schramm

January 7, 2010

May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.

Jean (Ruble)Brunt

January 6, 2010

Nancy and Family
My deepest sympathy to all of you. May the memories of the life you shared help sustain you in this time of great sorrow.

January 6, 2010

I am sorry for your lost. Jim was a goog friend and work buddy. I will miss him dearly.

Ed Stemaly

Chrystal Redfield

January 5, 2010

My prayers are with your family during this difficult time. I didn't know JB, but heard only good things from my step-dad (James Wright) about how great a man he was. May you find peace!

Dennis & Kim Brown

January 4, 2010

We are so sorry for your loss , he was a great guy and fun to work with ,,he will be missed..

kim goeman

January 4, 2010

I'm so sorry for your loss.JB was a nice man willing to do anything for anyone. He will be missed.

Jerry and Sandi Nowicki

January 4, 2010

To the Balch family, Please accept our deepest sympathies.

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