James Prescott Balch

1933 - 2021

James Prescott Balch 1933 - 2021
CLINTON, NY - James P. Balch, 88, died peacefully at the Siegenthaler Hospice Center on April 5, 2021.
Jim was born on February 24, 1933, in Utica, NY, the son of Richard Horrocks and Elizabeth Prescott Balch. He graduated from Berkshire School, Sheffield, MA, in 1951 and then continued his education at Hamilton College, Clinton, NY, graduating in 1955. After serving two years as a draftee in the U.S. Army, Jim settled back in the Utica/Clinton area working at his family's company, Horrocks-Ibbotson, eventually becoming President.
In April 1958, he was united in marriage to Gretchen Marcy Balch of Wilmette, IL.
The family eventually sold the Horrocks-Ibbotson business to the Gladding Corporation in 1970 and soon after, he bought the Dragon Fly Fishing Tackle Company, Sumter, SC. After several years of living in the south, the northeast was calling him back. In 1974, Jim returned to Berkshire School to become CFO/Director of Development until his retirement in 1996. Jim and Gretchen returned to Clinton and spent their winters in Treasure Cay, Bahamas, enjoying golf, tennis, friends, family visits and an occasional goombay smash.
Jim was deeply involved in his community serving on numerous Boards throughout his life. Among the various positions he held were United Way of Utica, Hamilton Alumni Council, Berkshire School Trustee, The House of the Good Shepherd and Kirkland Art Center.
Jim was a member of the Sadaquada Golf Club since 1954, where he played many rounds with friends and family. He thoroughly enjoyed the fact that he was able to shoot his age right up until last summer.
"Big Jim" is survived by his wife, Gretchen Balch, of 63 years; his children, Thomas S. (Paula) Balch, of Clinton, NY, Michael M. (Helen) Balch, of Wilmette, IL and Carolyn B. (Michael) Streett, of Wilmette, IL; ten grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; his siblings, Barbara (Tim) Colt and Richard (Judy) Balch; and many nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by his parents; his sister, Cynthia Barns; and brother-in-law, Arthur Barns.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Friedel, Williams, & Edmunds Funeral & Cremation Services. In keeping with Jim's wishes, there will be no calling hours. A memorial gathering will be held in his honor this summer.
Contributions in Jim's memory may be made to the Bill Duryee Minority Scholarship, Berkshire School, Sheffield, MA or Hospice & Palliative Care, New Hartford, NY.
Online messages of sympathy may be left at www.fwefh.com.