James "Jim" Ballweg

1940 - 2021

Ballweg, James O. "Jim"

WAUNAKEE - James O. "Jim" Ballweg passed away peacefully at home on Saturday, Nov. 13, 2021. Jim was born on Nov. 29, 1940, in Waunakee, Wis., to Norbert and Irene (Keichinger) Ballweg and was one of 11 children.

Jim entered the U.S. Army on June 15, 1960, and was ultimately stationed in Germany working as a radio operator.

He married Mary Catherine Taylor on Oct. 24, 1964. They started their family in Madison, then moved to a home they built near the family farm in Waunakee in 1977. They were blessed with four children.

Jim worked for Wisconsin Bell for approximately 30 years, starting as a lineman and eventually as a manager of distribution services.

Jim married Betty Engel on April 13, 1991, and moved to Leesburg, Fla., in July 1996. Jim and Betty enjoyed playing in their bocce ball league and traveling.

Jim was an avid softball player, playing for the Hofbrau House and Springfield Inn in Wisconsin and Highland Lakes in Florida. He also enjoyed bowling in both Wisconsin and Florida and was a member of the American Legion Post 0219 in Florida, fourth degree Knights of Columbus, and a lifetime member of the Pioneers of America AT&T and member of the K of C Clowns in Wisconsin. He was a longtime member of St. John the Baptist Church in Waunakee prior to moving to Florida, where he became a member of St. Paul's Catholic Church in Leesburg, Fla. In his retirement, Jim thoroughly enjoyed his work at Rural King in Leesburg, Fla.

Jim made friends wherever he went with his quick wit, easy smile and kind heart. He was coined as "Gentleman Jim" in his early years and was a gentle giant at 6'4" tall.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents; first wife, Mary; son, Steve; and siblings, Daniel, Raphael, Florine Ring, Sylvia Bernards, Carol Murray, Norbert Jr. and Peter.

Jim is survived by his wife of 30 years, Betty; daughters, Kathy (Mike) Elvert, Julie (Jim) Brown, and Sue (Todd) Duhr; and grandchildren, Elizabeth, James, Tyler and Alyssa. He is also survived by stepchildren, Bill (Ellie) Wilson, Gail (Dave) Zarro, and Tim (Linn) Wilson; and several step-grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held on Friday, Dec. 10, at 11 a.m. at ST. JOHN'S CATHOLIC CHURCH, 209 South St., Waunakee. Monsignor James Gunn will officiate. Friends may call at the church on Friday from 9:30 a.m. until the time of services. The service will be livestreamed at www.stjb.org. Burial will take place in the church cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to your local hospice organization.

Winn-Cress

Funeral and Cremation Service

5785 Highway Q, Waunakee

(608) 849-4513