RETIRED JUSTICE JAY R. BALLANTYNE

Jay Rainey Ballantyne was born on May 4, 1926, in Cumberland, WY. He was the son of Joseph Burton Ballantyne, and Ethel Lucille Rainey. Jay grew up in Los Angeles, CA. He was a gifted athlete, lettering in football, gymnastics, and wrestling in high school, and at University of Southern California. He enlisted in the United States Navy in February of 1944, graduated from USC in 1948, and was admitted to California State Bar in 1948. He was an avid outdoorsman. His "mountain expeditions" in the High Sierras are fondly remembered by his local judicial friends. He loved golf, tennis, beach volleyball, and basketball, and was always ready to pick up a game. Jay and his new bride, Elaine, left the Los Angeles area in 1952, where he joined Tulare County District Attorney's office as a Deputy. In 1954, he entered a partnership with Russell McKinney Sr. forming a general law practice known as McKinney and Ballantyne. In 1958, Jay was elected Tulare County District Attorney. He was 32 years old and the youngest District Attorney in the state. At the age of 40, Jay was elected to serve as a Superior Court Judge in Tulare County. After 20 years on the Tulare County Superior Court Bench, Governor George Deukmejian appointed him to the California Court of Appeals Fifth District as Associate Justice in 1986. Jay was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He was preceded in death by his first wife Elaine; his parents; three brothers; and a sister. He is survived by his sister Liz; his wife Jan; and his four daughters, Kristine, Stacy, Robin, and Cheri. In addition, he is survived by 13 grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren, and numerous nephews and nieces. A Graveside Service will be held at Visalia Public Cemetery, 1300 W. Goshen Avenue in Visalia, CA, on Saturday, June 30, 2018, at 9:00 a.m. A Church Service will follow at Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 650 North Lovers Lane, Visalia, CA, at 10:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Visalia Lions Club in Jay's honor. Tributes and condolences may be made at www.millerchapel.com. Arrangements entrusted to Miller Memorial Chapel, 1120 W. Goshen Ave., Visalia, CA, 559-732-8371.