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Jackson Ball Obituary
January 6, 2023
Durham, North Carolina - Jackson Everett Ball saved three lives before his seventh birthday.
He was the second of Hillary Little and Billy Ball's children, a boy bracketed by and best friends with his sisters, Charlotte and Alice. Jackson was an ardent fan of bouncy balls, music, getting dirty, and the Carolina Tar Heels (his new jersey: No. 1, Leaky Black's). He belonged to the first grade at Lakewood Elementary (Bulldog of the Week; two-time Artrageous Award winner) and, dapper in jacket and tie, had attended his first musical, "Frozen," at DPAC. For most of his life, Jackson was his mom's companion on early morning walks to the bakery and his dad's proof that cool guys are good dancers. Left-handed and curious, like his dad. Dark-eyed and filled with compassion, like his mom. Freckles like constellations. On at least one post-toddler occasion, Jackson was discovered with a handful of cheesecake before dessert was served ("Guilty! Guilty! Guilty!" his mom titled the photo) and instantly forgiven, a party legend.
He was beautiful, funny, inquisitive and brave in every atom and cell – some of which were shared with other families after Jackson suffered a catastrophic brain event on Jan. 4, 2023. His family is grateful for the skill of Durham's emergency medical technicians and the staff at Duke University Hospital, who preserved his organs for others. It is one of many ways in which Jackson's life – brief, distinct, vivid – altered the world.
He is survived by his parents and sisters in Durham; his grandparents, Rodney and Polly Little of Charlotte and Debbie Ball of Elizabeth City; great-aunts and -uncles Connie, Bonnie, Tammy, Robbie, Eddie, Sallye and John; aunts and uncles Laura, Natalie, Ellie, Gabrielle, Lily, Cody, Lucas, Ryan, Bobby, and Will; cousins and dear friends Henry, Bradley, Denise, Robert, Aaron, Jack and Logan; many family friends; and his dog, MJ, all of whom will miss him terribly. Jackson's late Granddad Bobby, Great-Aunt Julie, Great-Uncle Billy and his great-grandparents are the loved ones who, his mother observed, "can't wait to meet him."
A memorial service will be held at 3:30 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 13, at Duke Memorial United Methodist Church, with visitation at 2:30 p.m. and a reception following. The service will be live-streamed from http://bit.ly/jebservice. Billy and Hillary encourage you to bring a bouncy ball in their boy's memory; in lieu of flowers, friends might contribute to the Jackson Ball Fund for Arts & Music at Lakewood Elementary School http://bit.ly/jebfund. The family also invites you to dance with a kid you love; go take a walk at the Eno River and find a cool rock; listen to "Dinosaur Stomp" by Koo Koo Kangaroo; grab some cheesecake with your hands; and sign up to be an organ donor.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Jackson Ball
Sponsored by Clements Funeral & Cremation Services, Inc - Durham.
Mary
December 2, 2023
A heartwarming obituary. I will plant a tree in my backyard for him!
Mercury
March 29, 2023
I read your article about losing him. I am so sorry. He was a beautiful boy.
Matt
March 28, 2023
Billy, thank you for writing the story in The Atlantic. Every kid should be as lucky to have a dad like you. I'm so sorry for your family's loss.
Melissa
March 28, 2023
I´ve just read your article in the Atlantic and needed to express my sympathies for all your family has been through. I´m sure your son was the sun and the moon and all the stars in between for all of you and I´m so sorry.
Becky
March 28, 2023
I am so sorry for the loss of your beautiful son.
Kathleen Hughes
February 9, 2023
My heart feels your loss and pain. There are no human words that can bring comfort when you lose a child...sadly we know. May the God of all comfort surround your hearts, and bring the peace that only He can bring.
Susanna C
January 16, 2023
I heard the loss of your son through social media and i can not express enough how i feel your pain ,i lost a baby and i know how it feels ,this will be a long road to recovery for your family and i truely hope you will be able to give this a place in the future ,i know in my experience it took me a long time to get over the loss of my baby girl but you have other children like i had and you need to be there for them to , my heart goes out to you all and i feel your grief ,give yourselves time to grief ,don't rush ,sending you love and strengt from the Netherlands Susanna .
Peter
January 16, 2023
God bless <3
Janice Doe,
January 15, 2023
I loved what you shared about Jackson & am so sorry for your loss. News of Jackson, came to me via the Independent, from the N&O. Afterwards, I found myself remembering children I had known,& lost too soon,too young, & absolutely cherishing every minute we enjoyed together. I admire your courage & shared eloquence. Tx to Jackson for introducing this grandmother, to Koo Koo Kangaroo, & Dinosaur Stomp! Loved it! Jackson had excellent taste! Reminds that children with a passion for dance & good tunes, make the best dance partners! Holding you all in mind & heart!
partners who love to dance! Touched here by Jackson's excellent taste in music! I know you were lucky to have that constellation of freckles with you, & that he was lucky in parents drawn. Holding both parents, 2 sisters, dog, & assorted other's in mind & heart.
Linnie Brown
January 14, 2023
What a poignant tribute to Jackson. Such vivid, fun, laughable memories. We just listened to the dinosaur song -- stomp it and chomp it -- and very soon we will be sure to dance with a little boy and maybe even grab some cheesecake. Jackson not only saved three people, but he also is now altering the lives of many of us; we want to emulate his zeal. Hugs and love from Arizona
Kris
January 14, 2023
What a wonderful and fulfilling life Jackson must have given his parents, siblings, family and friends. It sounds as though he was already an angel on earth.
I do not know this family nor Jackson however, this tribute is a testament to the love he gave and received.
My deepest and sincerest sympathy, love, and prayers to all who were touched, loved, and will miss Jackson.
Kelly Smedley
January 14, 2023
I am so sorry you are dealing with this unimaginable pain. Jackson sounds like he was such a special little boy - I feel like I got to know him through his beautiful tribute. I will be keeping you all in my prayers as you navigate your grief. Holding you all close to my heart.
Deborah
January 13, 2023
So sorry for the loss of your young son
Mandy E.
January 13, 2023
May Jackson's memory be a blessing to his family, friends, and everyone who knew and loved him.
Greg B.
January 13, 2023
All our family's hearts are with yours right now.
Janice Bainbridge
January 13, 2023
What a beautiful tribute to Jackson and a reflection of your joy filled family life. My deepest condolences for this devastating loss to the whole family.
Ava Bagherian
January 13, 2023
I am listening to Dinosaur Stomp right now and am reminded of my own little brother, particularly all the dinosaur shows he watched in his early youth. I will make sure to dance with him soon, maybe even pick up my foot and stomp it. I am so sorry for your loss, but his memory will never leave.
Dustin Rubin
January 13, 2023
An absolutely wonderful tribute to Jackson, thank you for sharing. I am so so sorry for this unimaginable loss, and wish you peace and comfort.
P.S. Thanks for the "Dinosaur Stomp" recommendation :)
Bessie Ward
January 12, 2023
Grew up with Jackson 's family in Elizabeth City, N.C. .
So sorry he was so young & a joy .
My thought's & prayers are with all of you now.
Sincerely,
Bessie Reid Ward
The Kelly Family
January 12, 2023
What a beautiful soul. Our absolute deepest condolences, from our family to yours
Megan
January 12, 2023
What a touching tribute to your boy. My heart goes out to you. He may not be with you physically anymore, but he lives on - in you, in those whose lives he saved with his organs, and in me now as well as everyone who reads this. We know he was here, and that he was incredible.
MELVN WILLIAMS
January 12, 2023
After reading this beautiful tribute to this remarkable young man, he will be part of the most meaningful group of memories that I have shared during my life. I thank God that Jackson was a blessing to the lives of so many people of all ages. I hope to meet Jackson one day. Let us all remember that "Memory is a gift of God that death can not erase."
Jerry
January 12, 2023
This is a beautiful eulogy. Condolences from an internet stranger who just go to know your beautiful boy a little. I'm going to grab some cheesecake with my hands this week and think about all the love and joy Jackson brought to the world in such a heartrendingly short time. Love, strength and light to you.
AndrewinVancouver
January 12, 2023
Thank you for sharing your beautiful memories of your beautiful boy. May his memory continue to be a blessing for all time to you all and the terrible grief you have in your hearts fade over time.
Brittany Elliott
January 12, 2023
This is an absolutely beautiful tribute to your son. I just cannot remember a time I´ve been so simultaneously touched and destroyed by the same passage. Jackson had such an enthusiasm for life and a joyful presence. I can only offer my most heartfelt condolences for your loss. Love to you all.
Simon
January 12, 2023
What amazing little boy! Prayers for your family!
Nancye Grogan
January 12, 2023
What an amazing tribute to your beautiful son!! Love to you all!!
David Penn
January 12, 2023
Please accept my deepest condolences. My heart breaks for the entire Ball-Little family. I wish them strength during this very tragic time.
Kay
January 12, 2023
What beautifully written celebration of Jackson's life. His spirit still dances, soars, and will be a source of comfort to you as you go forward on this side. Peace to the family.
Mark Jordan
January 12, 2023
I once heard that grief is the price we pay for love. I believe it to be true but I believe they are also one and the same. Grief is just love that is more difficult to express because their physical form isn't with us. I send my deepest condolences to all who knew Jackson. Life can seem unjust at times and I'm sure he will be greatly missed. I will pray for strength and peace for the family
John Phillips Little Johnston
January 12, 2023
Dear Grandparents Polly and Rodney (who shares Papa's name), Knowing your caring heart, please accept my sincere condolences. Jackson had the talent like Bill Little, his great grandfather, to leave his handprint on mankind had he lived. I am so sincerely sorry! Remember Jesus instructed that the marvelousness of heaven cannot be comprehended by man.
John Phillips Little Johnston
Sylvia Saade ( colleague)
January 12, 2023
I am so very sorry for your loss Hilary. I cannot imagine the pain you and your husband are experiencing. May you find the strenth and peace in those difficult moments.
Angie Seckinger
January 12, 2023
Billy and Hillary. I am heartbroken to hear this news. I am sending prayers, blessings and light to you and all of your families. May peace be with you. Love you! Angie
Deanna Belli
January 12, 2023
What a splendid way to introduce your beautiful son to those of us who never had the privilege of knowing him. He will surely be your guardian angel now and will remain forever alive in your hearts and souls. His time with you was far too brief but like a bright comet he left an indelible imprint. As a fellow cheesecake lover, today I will indulge in his honor.
Shirley Spratt Mitchell
January 12, 2023
Dear Rodney and Polly, Emily and Billy, and other close friends and family.
Jackson's abbreviated life as recorded here is uplifting, full of hope, and a celebration. An amazing obituary, unlike any I have ever read. A well-lived and enjoyed life. Yes! huge on-going accomplishments before his 7th birthday! And so loved and enjoyed during his physical life on this earth.
Uplifting Jesus, the author and finisher of life, "over" you all, as you are left to go forward.
Shirley Spratt Mitchell
Montreat NC
1st cousin, twice removed (O:
John Forsyth
January 12, 2023
I didn´t know Jackson or the family. I just ran across his life story this morning and tried reading it aloud to my life. I barely got through it. It´s a great reminder of how precious life is. God bless Jackson´s family and friends. Now, where´s the cheesecake?
Rah (Sarah) Bickley
January 11, 2023
I am so terribly sorry for your loss. I can't imagine the grief. I am thinking of you and your family and sending love and sympathy. - Rah Bickley, Durham
Doreen
January 11, 2023
Billy and Hillary, I am so sorry for your loss. Your uncle Billy is probably playing ball with him right now. There are no adequate words to help or comfort you right now. I will be praying for peace and comfort for all of you and that the love of God floods your life. God bless!
Marcia Morey
January 11, 2023
What I read of Jackson is extraordinary, alive and beautiful. I send my deepest sympathy.
Carolyn B.Brodie
January 11, 2023
How tragic. What a beautiful tribute. Praying for Jackson family and friends
Lee Waters
January 11, 2023
I can't begin to describe how much I hate hearing this news. My hope for you is that peace and comfort eventually finds a way in and stays with you forever.
Princess Oates
January 11, 2023
Words cannot express how wholeheartedly devastated I am to hear of the loss of Jackson. Know that I will be here for you and your family for anything you need.
Susan Girdler
January 11, 2023
I am so deeply sorry for your heartbreaking loss of Jackson. Please know I am grieving with you and praying for your family. I know that Jackson will live in your hearts forever. May the peace that surpasses all understanding be with you and your family in the days to come.
Betsy & Jeff
January 11, 2023
We love y'all completely and are grateful to get to hold Jackson's memory with you. His life was a gift.
Denise and Rick Shaffer
January 11, 2023
No words will heal the pain for the parents and family of Jackson. His life was a treasure, and his memory will remain in the hearts of everyone that knew and loved him. While he may no longer walk amongst us the incredible gifts he has given to help the lives of others means that his beautiful soul will continue to brighten the world.
Erica D. Smith
January 11, 2023
Jackson has a tremendous witness and legacy that will live on. Words are incapable of comforting the depth of sorrow you must feel. I offer my sincerest condolences and will continue to pray for you and your family.
Lisa Sorg
January 11, 2023
What an amazing boy. I'm so deeply, deeply sorry. The fact he was an organ donor means he lives on in others, the ultimate act of selflessness. All my prayers and love to the family.
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