~ IN MEMORY ~
Military veteran, WA/DL Capt. James Austin Ball
February 8, 1944 – December 13, 2025
Jim joined Western Airlines 09-08-1986 and retired with Delta Air Lines in 2003. He is survived by his wife Patricia. Jim had most recently resided in South Dakota : 13959 Canyon Spur, Piedmont, SD 57769.
James “Jim” Ball, beloved husband, brother, uncle, and friend, passed away in Rapid City, SD on December 13, 2025.
Jim was born on February 8, 1944, in Teaneck, New Jersey, to Michael and Rita Ball and lived a life full of adventure, service, and exciting connection. He grew up in New Jersey and graduated from Bergen Catholic High School before attending St. Bonaventure University in New York. He proudly enlisted in the United States Air Force, serving in the Philippines, and while there, he discovered his passion for 1960s music while volunteering as a DJ at the radio station on base. Upon returning to George Air Force Base in California, he pursued flying and later earned his private pilot instructor license while living in Van Nuys, CA.
It was there that Jim met the love of his life, Patricia Akin. They were married on October 19, 1974, in Belle Fourche, South Dakota, beginning a lifelong journey together filled with love and exploration.
Jim’s aviation career took him across the country. He worked for the FAA’s Flight Standards Division, with assignments in Casper, WY; Great Falls, MT; and Montclair, CA. He later joined Western Air as a Flight Engineer on the Boeing 727, and after Western was acquired by Delta Airlines, he continued flying as a Captain on the 737 until his retirement in 2003.
In retirement, Jim and Patricia embraced life on the road, traveling in their motorhome and becoming “Winter Texans,” exploring the southern states and forming lasting friendships along the way. They lived in Hampstead and Moultonborough, New Hampshire, before settling in South Dakota.
Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Mike and Rita; his brother, Robert Ball; and his niece Patricia Van Belleghem. He is survived by his devoted wife Patricia; his brother Michael (Janet) Ball; sisters-in-law Dianne (Walt) Simons and Angela Strand; and numerous nieces and nephews who will cherish his memory.
Jim will be remembered for his warm spirit, his love of music and flight, and the quick, deep bonds he formed with everyone he met. His legacy lives on in the stories shared by those who knew him and the skies he once soared.
Memorial service will be held at 10:30 am Friday, December 19, 2025 at Kirk Funeral Home followed by light refreshments. Graveside rites will follow at 1:30 pm at Black Hills National Cemetery, in Sturgis.