Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
FUNERAL HOME
James Ball Obituary
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for James Ball
Sponsored by Jennifer & Stephanie .
Debra Wylie
April 2, 2020
Dear Jim,
I learned so much from your workshops and because of you I made positive changes in my life!
I have shared your books with so many, you are truly missed, but because of your words in your books you really live on!
Debra Wylie
Nora Mya Aboudaya
March 10, 2020
Dear Jim,
I am not sure why it hurts so much to know that you are gone even though you have this profound legacy I am saddened as I picked out your book in the library book sale. I have 1000's of books in my library and I wish I could read them all but I won't and for some reason I decided I would read soar...if you dare. Because it spoke to me the way each chapter is simply presented, and the visuals.
The odd part is I have only just begun and I am inspired to continue because I had a dream that I was giving a bunch of orange books to someone and I don't remember the titles but I do remember they were orange black writing and along the lines of Gold for self development...and here I am deciding this is the book I need to read now; orange cover black title...odd coincidence? Just starting chapter 1 before I decided to seek your online presence and found out your somewhere else now reading these messages. I'll let you know how the journey goes as you requested.
Delighted to share.
Tricia Ratliff
February 12, 2020
Jim lives on in those of us he taught and inspired. Some favorite memories were of his energetic public speaking and that aggressive straight talk when he'd challenge you because he believed in bringing out the best in people. As a coach now, I think of him often and have made choices using wisdom that he shared. I'm still thankful to have experienced Jim's entrepreneurship class in college as it changed my outlook and has had a long term impact on my life. Thank you to Jim for teaching us how to pursue worthwhile dreams, deal with anacondas, focus, chunk our time and nurture our inner entrepreneur. Although his loss is still felt deeply - if you're a member of his family I want to thank you for the support you gave him when he took the risk to focus on helping others succeed. His story of that bold move after writing his epitaph has been a great inspiration and reminder to live life fully. I'm sure it was a sacrifice at times. You contributed to something special in the world.
Maureen Van Vliet
August 11, 2016
Dolly, I saw Dan Price today and learned the sad news of Jim's passing. Although we were not in touch for many, many years, Jim was always one of my favorite bosses. He gave me such confidence and pushed me to achieve my full potential when we were at Arthur Andersen. And he continued to encourage me at other difficult stages of my career. Words cannot express my sadness, and I pray you have found peace knowing he is at peace. God bless you and your daughters. Fondly, Maureen Van Vliet
How you can show support
Follow
Get email updates whenever changes are made.
Send flowers
Consider sending flowers.
Add photos
Share their life with photo memories.
Plant trees
Honor them by planting trees in their memory.
Donate in Memory
Make a donation in memory of your loved one.
Share this page
Invite other friends and family to visit the page.
March 14, 2014
I met Jim when I was working for a property Management company who had invited him to come and work with us! Jim changed my life, with his SOAR if you dare, I still have my Eagle message hanging in the bathroom where I see it daily, I am so sad to learn of his passing ! The good news he will never die because of all the seeds he planted in so many lives!
I will share his work for the rest of my life! Debra Wylie
Barbara Roller
September 23, 2013
To Jim's family: I hope you have an opportunity to visit this guest book periodically. I am writing because I see that it is online permanently.
Today is Sept.21, 2013. I have just returned from my 50th high school reunion (Sharon High). I didn't really graduate with everyone, as we moved to GA in Nov. of 7th grade. I was so looking forward to seeing Jim at this reunion. I had not returned to Sharon for several years, and was looking forward to seeing everyone. How sad I am to find that Jim had passed away. He was a childhood friend, living next door to my aunt. I knew Jim, his parents, and brother "Buddy" very well, as I spent a lot of time at my aunt's home.
As I learn about Jim's adult life,I am so impressed with his accomplishments.
He will truly be missed. My sympathy and condolences.
Barbara (Barbie) Harshman Roller
Marna Ghoston-Pena
April 5, 2012
Here it is three years later and I still miss Jim. I have never been so inspired by another person in my lifetime. I still have all of his books and always share them with others.I am following his example. Jim's passion to help develop people and help them succeed and Soar (One of my favorite books, Soar.. if you Dare)made him my hero. He will always be locked tight in my heart of hearts.
Greg Simonson
January 20, 2010
Jen, Stephanie, and Mrs. Ball,
I am so sorry for your loss. Jim was a great man and I had a huge amount of respect for everything he accomplished in his life. I know I am a better man for having known Jim. I wish you all the best.
Sincerely,
Greg Simonson
Daniel Maley
May 4, 2009
To the Ball Family-
My condolences for your loss. I feel it, also. While I had only a brief opportunity to meet Jim through our USPS MLDP program, he gave us insights on how to manage with an emphasis on the positive. He was a true gift and his insights I have shared with my children. You are in my prayers.
Lisa Germano
April 29, 2009
Jennifer - I am so sad at losing Jim. What an inspiration he was for me and so many of my employees who have used his books and wisdom over the years. You are in my thoughts and I hope you realize that Jim lives on - he leaves quite the legacy for you to continue. He will be missed.
Justin Lane
April 17, 2009
I'll never forget you, Jim Ball!
Steve Pietila
April 16, 2009
I had the opportunity to hear Jim speak twice at national conventions. He was enthusiastic, inspiring and had some real useful insights to offer. He provided encouragement with a sincere attitude of wanting to help folks have a better life. Thank you to the Ball family for sharing Jim with us!
April 13, 2009
I have always enjoyed reading Jim's words of wisdom. His books have been a great help to me and members of my team in Mary Kay.
Linda Beaver, Reisterstown, Maryland
Independent Senior Sales Director, Mary Kay Cosmetics
Shari Sturm
April 13, 2009
Ball Family Members, I am so sorry for your loss. Jim was an amazing person. I attended several of his lectures. Jim inspired me and I keep his Ballgrams handy. He was honest, giving, thoughtful, smart, motivating and generous. I am so sorry for your loss. His passion and teaching with live on in so many of us whom he taught over the years. My prayers and thoughts go out to you in your time of grief.
Wilson Youngblood
April 13, 2009
Ball Family,
I was blessed with the opportunity to meet Jim a few years ago at the Bolger Center. I was awe-struck by his ability challenge individuals to perform at the highest level. He instilled those qualities that made successes attainable by providing so many tools and philosophies. He was a very special individual with a very special gift. I will certainly miss my "ball-o-grams". I looked forward to receiving these 'words-of-wit" and "lessons to lead by" as I often shared them with my staff & co-workers. He had a very unique way of finding the good in all things and openly shared the processes for maintaining that positive outlook.
Connie Bergeron
April 12, 2009
It was my privilege to meet Jim 18 years ago when he presented for a Meeting Professionals International conference. I was so impressed with Jim's passion, commitment to quality and dedication to giving participants at his workshops information and suggestions they could use at once in their daily lives.
Jim had a unique way of connecting with his audiences, and it was my pleasure to recommend him to anyone looking for a speaker. I was 100% certain of Jim's heart for making the world a better place and always giving his very best each time he presented.
I will miss Jim greatly, and I extend sincere sympathies to his family and many friends worldwide.
Don Doleshal
April 12, 2009
I had one class with Jim and yet I will very much miss him not being in this world. May he live on in the real life beyond, yet with you his family still, because there is no distance in the spirit. The Lord comfort you all with sincere sympathy from just one of his students.
Jennifer Bowman
April 11, 2009
Our deepest condolences to the Ball Family. We are blessed with the friendship of his daughter Jennifer and her family, the Zinck Family, and see just where her kind heart came from. His memory will live on....
Sincerest Condolences
Jody Taylor (Driver)
April 10, 2009
Dear Ball family:
I'm shocked and heartbroken to hear this news. My sincere condolences for the loss of your beloved husband and father. I attended Jim's entrepreneurial/ goal course in '92-'93 at GMU. Even in that huge class of 100 plus students, I felt that he truly cared about each of us. He made sure we all got to know each other. He drove home the point that being human and caring about people is our first priority, even in business. We declared our successes for each week, selected power names, listed our fiercest anacondas and also our fondest life goals, and learned so much about ourselves. I remember Jim and those classes as though they were yesterday.
Remembering Jim Ball with love,
Marshal Hyman
April 10, 2009
I first met Jim when he was a new partner at Arthur Andersen and I was a relatively new employee at DynCorp, so it has been quite a while. After Jim left AA I continued to see him from time to time, including at the venture firm. I think I was invited to the first taping of a session for the Goals Institute. I am probably one of the initial subscribers to the monthly emails and I looked forward to them. I frequently forwarded the BallGrams to friends and relatives who I thought could use his sage wisdom.
I am sad that Jim is no longer with us and even though we recently did not see each other often I will miss him.
My Sympathy to his family.
April 10, 2009
I met Jim when he came to give a seminar at Miller Oil Co a few years ago. He was a wonderful speaker with so much positive energy. He was also funny and interesting. So unlike other speakers Ive seen. You wanted to pay attention, I took notes, I learned a great deal, and enjoyed Dare to Soar immensely. I have forwarded his Ball Grams more times than I can count. I still have my No Anacondas pin, and thunderbolts list and all other handouts. I am so sorry for the loss of this wonderful man. My heart goes out to his family and close friends.
Keith Holman
April 10, 2009
As others have mentioned, Jim Ball has had a profound effect on me. I met him at a seminar my employer arranged several years ago. It always brightened my day to bump into him or to receive an email. He was truly a vehicle for inspiration and this world is a better place for his having been here. Occasionally the anacondas win, but thanks to Jim (and Jennifer) we have hope to defeat them. My condolences to his family and to all of us who won't bump into in the hallway in this life.
Olen Juarez-Lim
April 10, 2009
I am terribly sorry to hear about Jim Ball's passing. I have never met him but constantly check his website for inspiring learnings. It's as if I know who he is for what he stands and believes in. My condolences to the family and friends and truly we have lost the man but never the legacy of his teachings and inspiration. God bless you all.
Mary Converse
April 9, 2009
The first time I met Jim was at a seminar he presented. Afterwards, we talked. I felt like I had known him all my life and that he understood my professional challenges right away. He taught classes at my firm and became a mentor to me. I learned so much from Jim. He will be greatly missed by us all. My deepest sympathy goes to his family at this sad time.
Steve Piper
April 9, 2009
I'm shocked and saddened to learn of Jim's passing. He was both a mentor and a friend. I've known Jim and Jennifer for 18 years, starting as a student at George Mason University, later as Jim's Teaching Assistant at GMU, and finally as Jim and Jennifer's first-hire at Jim Ball & Company, now The Goals Institute. Aside from my mother and father, no single person has influenced my life more than Jim Ball. He is dearly missed...but his memory will live on forever--through his writings, through his teachings, and through all of us.
Rob Burns
April 9, 2009
I met Jim in 1993. He gave me some personal guidance when I was just graduating college. It absolutely was critical to putting me on the right path. I often look back at his optimism with great memories. There are may people that he touched. While he passed far to earlier, he had an impact greater than almost anyone I've ever met.
Bobbie Ligon
April 9, 2009
I attended Leadership Training at the Bolger Center several years ago and Jim was an awesome instructor. He often made references to his family and there was no doubt he was devoted to each one of you. I am on the mailing list for the Ballgrams and look forward to each one - they continue to teach and inspire me. My thoughts and prayers go out to the family.
Lori Woehrle
April 9, 2009
Oh, the Anacondas! I am terribly sad to learn of Jim's passing. I met Jim as a GMU student around 1991 or 1992. I've always admired his spirit, energy, and positive approach to life and its challenges. I am sad for you all -- Dolly, Jennifer and Stephanie -- though we haven't met. I hope you can find comfort in the memories written here.
Will Lanier
April 9, 2009
Such positive purpose and desire for the betterment of all is a rare and beautiful thing, but that is exactly how I would describe Jim's inspirational efforts. Please take pride in the appreciation we have for Jim's mission, and the legacy that he has left. My condolences to you all.
Jason Crawford
April 9, 2009
I was so sad to hear that Jim passed away. I met Jim more than 15 years ago while attending George Mason University and he changed my life. He taught me to be a strong, positive person and to set goals for every aspect of my life. I have achieved so much in my life because of his teachings. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends.
Nagesh RAMAMURTHY
April 9, 2009
I first came to know about Jim and the Goals Institute in 2002, when I was at IonIdea, Bangalore. I conducted a workshop for the entire company using some of the books he wrote.
His messages have shaped my life in the last seven years. I feel I have succeeded in large part as a consequence of following many of Jim's principles. I am saddened by his death.
At the same time I am impressed with the announcement that his monthly newsletter will continue to be published. Jim has left a wonderful legacy. Let's continue to nourish it.
Sincerely,
Thomas Reed
April 9, 2009
To Jim’s Family
I am very sorry for your loss personally and I know all of us whose life’s Jim touched at the Post Office corporality will miss Jim very much, please accept my condolences
Tom
John Steele
April 9, 2009
Maureen and family,
I thought long and hard to express my deepest sympathy for your loss. Jim was an inspiration for me. He let me see my visions and how to obtain goals that before I though were unreachable. It is hard to imagine that he has left us. I still see constant reminders of his presence with his Ball-o-grams. I would like to say that he was a gentleman, a good teacher, and a wonderful human being. My thoughts and prayers are with you in this time of need.
James Nice
April 9, 2009
Maureen, Jennifer, and Stephanie,
When I met Jim for the first time at one of our seminars, I was very impressed with his professionalism and drive. Since then I have looked forward to his Ball-o-grams and have frequently looked back to them for advice and wisdom.
I know that these are difficult times but his insight and direction has helped many of us out in the field become successful in obtaining our goals. Thank you for letting us share in part of his life. He will be missed. Our thoughts are with you.
April 9, 2009
Awaiting my next Ballgram, it was with a heavy heart that I received the news of Jim's death upon opening it. Jim left an impression upon me that most other motivational speakers could never match. He had a way of making everyone in the room feel like they had his undivided attention. I feel like I've lost a family member, and I will miss him dearly.
My condolences to his wife and family whom he spoke of often.
Soar Jim!
Cheri Tyner
Regina Barr
April 9, 2009
Dear Mrs. Ball, Jennifer & Stephanie-
I was saddened to hear of Jim's passing. I had the privilege of getting to know him over the past 10 years. Every interaction with him was always a positive one, and I always enjoyed speaking with him and receiving his Ballgram.
I once called Jim to ask for his advice on a sticky business situation. I asked him to give me the same advice that he would give to one of his daughters. He did just that and helped me out immensely. That's the kind of man Jim was.
I know there are no words that could possibly fill the hole in your heart. However, I believe if we can each take a moment now and then to remember Jim in our own way then his good works, his memory, and his legacy will live on.
Please know that you are all in my thoughts and prayers.
Robin Ruegg
April 9, 2009
To Jim Ball's family--
I enjoyed being motivated by Jim. I loved his Ballgrams. He had such a positive and uplifting approach to life and to making ourselves better.
My deepest condolences.
Tom
April 9, 2009
Dear Jennifer and family,
I did not know your Dad personally but I was most impressed with him as a motivational speaker. He had been to our office in Long Island a couple of times and each time I enjoyed his energy and professional presentations. I was able to carry his ideas in my business life as well as in my personal life. I wish you and your family my sympathy and prayers at this difficult time.
Debby Schwarz
April 9, 2009
The world has a lost a true winner in Jim's passing. He will truly be missed. I feel honored to have crossed pathes with Jim, Jennifer and this great philosphy. Your insight has had a great impact on my life. Thank you!
Israel DeLeon
April 9, 2009
I was very fortunate to meet Mr. Ball at a seminar he held back in 2005 in New Carrollton, Md. He was a very motivated speaker. Since than I collected everyone of his Ballgrams, and still read through them at times. My thoughts, and prayers are with the Ball family.
Kemetia Foley
April 9, 2009
I had the honor of hearing Jim speak several years ago at an International Assoc. of Administrative Professionals conference. He was a great storyteller and a positive influence in our administrative community. He will be missed a great deal.
Michael Troutman
April 9, 2009
To the entire Ball family:
I was one of Jim's students at GMU. He had a profound effect on me which has lasted to this day. You are in my thoughts. Jim will be missed.
April 8, 2009
To Mrs. Ball and Family - May the peace of God comfort as you go through this season of transition. Jim will be missed by many. He was well loved and lived well!
Be encouraged,
Rick and Sylvia Ball
Jim and Gladys Kofalt
April 8, 2009
Dolly and family, Jim and I were very saddened by Jim's death, we thought very highly of him. Jim and my husband had been involved with Goals for several years, and he was a remarkable talented and moral person. We are sorry we can not make the visitation, but we are flying from NC to CA for Easter tomorrow. Please know you all are in our thoughts and prayers, and we will be making a contribution to the Lung Charity requested. You have our love and sympathy.
Susanna Daley
April 8, 2009
Jen, Stephanie, and Mrs. Ball, you are in my thoughts and prayers. Mr. Ball was such a remarkable man, always so kind-hearted, witty and humorous. He has definitely left his mark on this world and more specifically, on your family. You will find yourself seeing glimpses of him in each other and in Ryan and Tyler, too. And that's an amazing thing. I know this is such an utterly difficult time for all of you and I am just so sorry for your loss. Remember, Jen, I'm ALWAYS here for you. I love you!
Jack Walsh
April 8, 2009
To the Ball family:
As a trainer, coach, facilitator and motivator, Jim had such a deep and positive impact on people around the country whom you will never meet in person. Be assured that we share your sadness, and you are in our prayers.
Dan Goldstein
April 8, 2009
Jen, Steph and Mrs. Ball,
Words at this moment are of little condolence, but please know we are thinking of you every day. Mr. Ball was a wonderful role model of how to be a great husband, father, and grandfather. He leaves a fine legacy, his family. In which he was so proud.
Mary Bender
April 8, 2009
Please know that you're all in my thoughts daily, I'm just so sorry. Am also so thankful that I got to see him over July 4th at Jen & Tom's last year. He truly was such a positive, motivating and uplifting person, always ready with a quick laugh and a twinkle in his eye. I told him every year or so that I looked so forward to my "Ballgrams" showing up in my inbox every month. Please let me know if there's anything I can do...
Danielle Goldstein
April 8, 2009
Jen, Mrs. Ball, and Steph, I'm so sorry for your loss. Mr. Ball was such a great man.
My favorite memory of Mr. Ball is him cutting a rug at my wedding. He really knew how to boogie down! I also remember him dragging my aunt, whom he had never met before, out on the dance floor. Oh Mr. Ball, how I will miss you!
Showing 1 - 49 of 49 results
Make a Donation
in James Ball's name
Memorial Events
for James Ball
Funeral services provided by:
Adams-Green Funeral Home & Crematory721 Elden Street, Herndon, VA 20170
People and places connected with James
Recent Obituaries
Recent Obituaries
How to support James's loved ones
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor James Ball's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
