Stephen R. Ballis

Stephen R. Ballis,76, of Chicago passed away peacefully at home surrounded by love on March 1, 2022. Ballis leaves behind his best friend and the love of his life, wife of 53 years, Elizabeth Ballis, his children Stacey Ballis and Bill Thurmond, and Deborah Ballis Hirt and Andrew Hirt. He was blessed by the addition of grandchildren Oliver, Kalie and Quincy Hirt to his life, and took enormous pride in their accomplishments. He treasured having Peggy Rose as a bonus daughter along with her family. Ballis was a fourth-generation Chicagoan who grew up in Lakeview attending Nettlehorst, Lakeview & U of C Lab High School before matriculating at Boston University. He was a lifelong passionate advocate for the city he loved and all that it had to offer. He held season tickets to the Chicago Bears which had been passed down since the year the team was founded and season tickets to his beloved Cubs. He loved to travel and was able to do so extensively, touring six continents during his life. He supported the local arts and cultural groups, and was a stalwart volunteer across many disciplines, devoting time as an activist especially focusing on education. He served on boards including Friends of the Parks, LPCA, Young Men's Jewish Council, JCFS, PTA Boards and the Local School Council in Lincoln Park. He devoted significant time to supporting the educational desegregation movement for CPS in the 1970s and was appointed to the Chicago Board of Education in 1989, serving until 1993, during which time he was the primary architect of the progressive SAVE plan for CPS, which proposed ground-breaking reforms. After spending 10 years in the family insurance business, his interest in real estate prompted a shift to full time development work. His career in real estate was a storied one, and over the decades he successfully produced both residential and commercial projects. After retiring, Ballis turned his focus exclusively on philanthropic work, serving as Board President for JCFS, and supporting other causes that moved him. Despite the challenges of his health issues, he maintained his sense of humor, his devotion to Elizabeth and their family and friends, and fought bravely and with dignity through the medical obstacles. No one lived with more gusto, loved with a larger heart, or laughed louder. He was a magnet for dogs and children, all of whom seem to be drawn to his deep voice and gentle spirit. He gathered an extraordinary circle of friends, including many relationships lasting half a century and even as long as 73 years. If he had one wish for those he leaves behind, it would be to live life to the fullest, to be kind and generous of spirit, and to always help those less fortunate if you are able. Ballis was preceded in death by his beloved parents, Dayton and Harriett "Jonnie" Ballis and his sister Sally Ballis, and leaves behind a sister, Sue Ballis Kuhn and brother-in-law John Kuhn as well as a large extended family. Memorial service at Friday, March 4, 2022 at 2pm, at Chicago Jewish Funerals, 8851 Skokie Blvd. (at Niles Center Road) Skokie. Interment private. The family requests attendees be vaccinated. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Immigration and Citizenship Services at JCFS, Bea Adams, Joy Faith Knapp Children's Center, 3145 W. Pratt Blvd., Chicago, IL 60645, www.jcfs.org/hias, Supporting local hospice families in need, VITAS Community Connection, PO Box 645352, Cininnati, OH 45264-5352, www.vitascommunityconnection.org, or at a charity of your choosing. To attend the funeral live stream, please visit our website. Arrangements by Chicago Jewish Funerals - Skokie Chapel, 847.229.8822, www.cjfinfo.com.