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Jeffrey Ball Obituary
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Nick Pashley
September 28, 2022
Happy times at Bubba´s graduation in Oxford...
Dave Geuting
July 11, 2021
On the one-year anniversary of Jeff's death, I am providing a photo of his grave at the Air Force Academy cemetery. RIP my friend. Janice and I miss you every day.
Randy Pattee
August 26, 2020
I worked with him as an expert witness, including recent trials in Minnesota and Pittsburgh. I'm so sorry to hear of his passing at far too young. He was a good, honest man; truly one of the good ones.
Howard Steensma
August 20, 2020
I’m shocked and sad to here of Jeff’s passing. I grew up about 5 houses away and went to school with Jeff through high school. Condolences to Ken , Joyce and Kristy. Jeff was a good person and the smartest kid I knew in school. We hung out for awhile and had fun together. He made the most of this life. So sorry for his family.
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Clay Barnett
August 13, 2020
I met Jeff through his forensic engineering practice. He helped us mightily in identifying and pushing to correct an automotive defect. And in so doing, he got to teach another student - me. So like many of you who've posted here, I learned from a great man and a great American. While he is respected and missed greatly here on earth, Heaven took in a difference maker. Condolences and best wishes to the entire Ball family.
Kevin Ruth
July 26, 2020
Bubba Ball was the best and I extend all my condolences to his family and extended family. Flying in the backseat of our F-4 was a privilege that enabled us to explore North Carolina, Red Flags at Nellis and even Denmark. He will be missed. Lord, Guard and Guide...
Kristoper “Swat” Holstege
July 22, 2020
Bubba was my sponsor while I was a cadet at USAFA and upon graduation he commissioned me as a second lieutenant. He opened his home, family and trust to me and my fellow cadets. I’ll never forget the old red Subaru he let us use whenever we wanted. He was always there in Sunday morning at the dorms to pick me up for church. He even met me at my dorm room to give me notification that my grandma had died. He had a big heart, and wasn’t just an instructor but a great mentor.
Blue Skies Sir....
Here’s a toast and a Nickel in the grass.
Connie Schlaefer
July 22, 2020
Jeff was that steady leader who inspires confidence in those around him. Smart, thoughtful, funny, great listener, and an even better story teller. I'm grateful to have had a chance to work with him in DFEM. He made the world a better place.
Steven Moritz
July 19, 2020
My thoughts and prayers are with the Ball Family. Jeff was one of the good guys and was a pleasure to be around during our time at the Academy and at the reunions. I always enjoyed catching up with Jeff at our reunions. He was a squadron mate when we were Doolies and 3 Degrees in Stalag 17. He will be missed. Here is a Toast.
Michael Haan
July 19, 2020
Jeff and I were classmates at Byron Center Christian and South Christian HS. While circumstances kept us from becoming friends outside of the classroom, we were on the same wave length when it came to academics. I did not fly at his altitude but I always felt a mutual respect from Jeff. I remember Jeff as being scary smart, having patience with us mental mortals, always being kind to all, and his generosity to others. Jeff was clearly driven in his life as is obviously seen in his many accomplishments. I hope and pray that his family can find peace in their loss.
Matt McKeon
July 18, 2020
Knew Jeff at LIFT, F-4 RTU, and SJ back in the 80s. Quiet professional and consummate teammate. My sincere condolences to his entire family. Please know he was a pleasure to work with.
Michael Starr
July 18, 2020
The best, most inspiring, and talented instructor I had at USAFA. I feel blessed to have been one of his students. He was my role model, and I thought of him often throughout my 24 year career. Prayers for his family and loved ones. He will be missed.
Frank Carillo
July 18, 2020
Great Memories At Seymour with Bubba Ball and Bubba Nolan.
Way too young
God Bless
Stu Turner
July 17, 2020
Very sad to hear this news. Jeff and I taught together at the Academy two different times, and we camped together frequently with our boys in Scouts over several years. Tremendous, fun gentleman, gone too soon. Heartfelt condolences to the family, and deepest sympathies to Josiah from his former scouting comrades Cole & Jake.
Steve Knoblock
July 17, 2020
Its a bit grainy--that's what happens with a disposable camera in the 80's. Sorry to keep posting, but I have many pictures to share of our friend
Our favorite thing to do in June --snow skiing in cutoff shorts. you'll never know the meaning of sunburn till you try this without sunscreen. I'll blame Jeff for having to go to the dermatologist for treatment.
Jeff was a blast on the slopes--hope he's skiing in heaven
Cindy Klahn
July 17, 2020
So sorry to hear of Jeffs passing. I taught in the Engineering Mechanics department at USAFA with Bubba. He was always a teacher in everything he did. He had a way of simplifying even the most complex concepts. And no matter what the task he always found a way to make it fun! Heres a toast! Cindy LT Klahn
Jeff and Bobby Fowler with their new Class rings and Vettes
Steve Knoblock
July 16, 2020
Since Bobby F mentioned Vettes, I thought I'd add a pic I took before our ring dining out in 1982. Here's to Jeff again--we'll all miss you, you Hoser
Rob Fredell
July 16, 2020
Jeff was a great friend and colleague when we taught together on the Air Force faculty. My best memory of Jeff was the day he took me flying in a motor glider over the Academy, and let (non-pilot) me fly a series of hammerhead stalls. Jeff, you will be missed by many.
DAVID GEUTING
July 16, 2020
Jeff was my best friend. We met 41 years ago and were roommates our first semester at USAFA. We remained friends ever since. Later in life he became close friends with my wife and she enjoyed every time we got together. He relished in serving us his latest smoked meat creation whenever he had us over to his house. Janice and I are very saddened for his children and his parents, who I have known ever since USAFA. Rest peacefully my friend.
Mark VanderMeulen
July 16, 2020
Growing up Jeff was a hero of mine. I was so amazed when he would come to church in his USAF uniform when he was back home. His mom introduced us and we became pen pals. He inspired my love of airplanes and especially fighter jets. I know you will be missed. Godspeed as you now soar with angels.
Joe Aldaz
July 15, 2020
Our condolences to the Ball Family. Jeff was truly one of the good guys and was a pleasure to know. He was my roommate when we were Doolies in Stalag 17. He will be missed!
Judy Sterken
July 15, 2020
remember him as this sweet nice young boy, my heart goes out to the family in their loss, as I read what a high achiever he was, it must be a great loss And I send heartfelt sympathy, love and prayers, Judy Sterken
Jon Holden
July 14, 2020
My condolences to the Ball family. I always hoped we could get one my card game in Ken and Joyces basement.
Class of 79
Scott George
July 14, 2020
My heartfelt condolences to the Ball family. I knew Jeff from our assignment to the Engineering Mechanics Dept faculty at the AF Academy back in '92-96. He was a big reason that assignment was one of my best. Jeff was a tremendous officer, teacher, and example. Cadets loved him. And, it was easy to be his friend ever since.
Nickle on the grass, Bubba.
Lisa Roest
July 14, 2020
Lisa Roest
July 14, 2020
In loving memory of a wonderful man. We grieve with Uncle Ken, Aunt Joyce, Kristi, Jeff's kids, and all of his family and friends. I am so grateful we had a cousins' reunion a few summers back at Bob & Kristi's and were able to catch up with Jeff. He was not only uber-intelligent, he was funny and fun to be around and chat with. We had hope for another reunion here on earth, but we will one day be reunited in glory!
Bobby Fowler
July 13, 2020
What a loss to all who got to celebrate life with Jeff. From doing acrobatics in gliders, driving our Vettes slowly on the terrazzo on 100s night, watching him slide on his back down the mountain while skiing, visiting his family after graduation, hearing him revel in stories about life at Oxford, sharing stories about raising kids as we grew families, I always knew I had a friend I could count on. God bless and Godspeed. I hope we meet again, and get to chase clouds In heaven.
Daniel Clawson
July 13, 2020
My sincere condolences go out to the entire Ball family and his friends. I only knew Jeff through the Little Log Church men's group but we all enjoyed his intelligent and caring insights and contributions as well as his warm personality.
Greg Shoales
July 13, 2020
Always with a smile.
Tom Yoder
July 13, 2020
Always an officer, always a gentleman, always a champion of cadets, and always a fighter pilot!!
Steve Knoblock
July 13, 2020
Such a loss. The memories I have with my friend, and those fostered and created by those of us who shared Jeff, will not be forgotten. I am sad to see him go, as we had planned much for the future. My thoughts and prayers are with his family
Tom Yoder
July 13, 2020
LtCol Greg Shoales
July 13, 2020
Jeff was one of the good ones for sure. The very best memories I have of USAFA service all include Jeff. He exemplified honor, commitment, service, and caring to us all. Fellow officer, colleague, friend...gone far too soon. Miss you Bubba.
Lawrence Nauta
July 13, 2020
Jeff was an inspiration and a good friend as we navigated high school and post high life as young men. Im sorry for his family left behind, but happy to hear he finished the race his Lord ordained for him and take comfort knowing he is in his Saviors arms.
Col Steve Wood, USAF, Ret., USAFA '83
July 12, 2020
I have no words to bring comfort to Jeff's family, I wish I was a grand speaker that could speak in such soothing terms, I just can't do it.
Jeff is my classmate from the academy, he was my teammate as a warrior for his country when we served in the air force, and he was an example to all of how to live a good life!! He touched so many lives, and they are all the better for it!!! Imagine the air force of 20-40 years from now, and the positive changes that will have occurred because Jeff taught someone something that stimulated their talents and drove them to great achievement!! Jeff did that, and more.
It is a sad day...
Jeff, you are cleared to and above FL500...soar with the angels!!
"A Toast...and a nickel on the grass"
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