Ophir James Ballard Jr.

Ophir James Ballard Jr. (Jim) passed from his earthly body on Saturday, November 15, 2025, at the Oak Creek Rehabilitation Center in Kimberly, Idaho, at the age of 73.

Jim was the eldest son of Ophir Sr. and Velma Ballard, born July 5, 1952, in Pueblo, Colorado. Jim grew up in a loving, Godly home with 5 sisters and 3 brothers. At a young age, he gave his life to the Lord, first through accepting Christ as his Savior and being baptized in 1960, and then surrendering to the ministry in 1966.

Jim graduated from Central High School, Pueblo, CO, on June 3, 1970. He then moved to Marlow, OK, to attend Oklahoma Missionary Baptist College. It was there that his friend, Ray Riley, introduced him to the love of his life, Ray’s sister, Beverly. Jim and Beverly were married on November 29, 1972. They were married for 34 years. Together, Jim and Beverly served many communities in Oklahoma, Colorado, Texas, Nevada, Utah, and Idaho as Jim pastored many Southern Baptist churches. He attended seminary at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth, TX, graduating in 1987. Since Jim primarily pastored small churches, he supplemented his income with various jobs in welding and carpentry. He used these talents to spread Christ’s love to those he came in contact with.

Jim and Beverly had seven children whom they loved very much. Rachael(Daniel) Carter, Rebecca(Phillip) Ruth, Ruth(Starbuck) Willhite, Regina(Bruce) Fischer, Samuel(Tamra) Ballard, Ruby(Will) Coats, and Joshua(Ashley) Ballard. They were also blessed with 17 grandchildren. Ashley Ruth, Mariah(Taylor)Buck, Darlean Ballard, Paul Carter, Keenen Ruth, David Willhite, Ezekiel Ballard, Cody Coats, Drew Fischer, Abby Coats, Madison Fischer, Sara Willhite, Gabriel Willhite, Josiah Fischer, Zella Ballard, Jeremiah Fischer, and LilyShea Ballard. Jim tried to bestow a love for the outdoors through various camping, fishing, and hunting trips.

Jim was preceded in death by: his parents, wife, Beverly, daughter, Regina, son-in-laws, Phillip and Daniel, sisters Rhoda and Francis, and brother Mike. He is survived by 6 of his children, their spouses, all 17 grandkids, 3 sisters, 2 brothers, in-laws, numerous nephews, and nieces.

The celebration of life service will be held at Grace at Riverside Baptist Church, Blackfoot, ID, on Saturday, December 6, 2025. Viewing 12:00, service 2 pm, graveside to follow at Grove City Cemetery.