Services for Jim Ballard will be held at Picayune Funeral Home on Saturday, August 11, 2018.

Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. with Funeral Services to follow at 12:00 p.m. in the chapel.

Jim was born to Dora and Edwin Ballard on November 8, 1926 in Connecticut. He grew up in Roxbury in the Catskill Mountains of New York. He was the last survivor of his thirteen full and half siblings.

Jim met his wife, Audrey Espinosa Ballard while she was roller-skating in her neighborhood of Gentilly in New Orleans and he was serving in the Merchant Marines. They spent 47 years together before her death.

Jim is survived by his daughters, Charmaine Ballard Albert (Tony) of Gretna, Louisiana and Jamie Ballard Centanni of Picayune, Mississippi; one grandson and one great granddaughter.

His longtime companion, Mrs. Virginia Roullier, introduced him to the Baptist faith at Goodyear Baptist Church. Not only did they enjoy their faith and fellowship, they particularly enjoyed participating in the youth related activities at Goodyear.

Jim was dedicated to his work at Delta Steamship Company, but more so to his love of fishing at Lake Catherine and surrounding areas.

A sincere thank you for everyone who cared for him, both medically and with their hearts. You enriched his life tremendously.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Jim’s memory to: Goodyear Baptist Church, the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation or the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.

Arrangements are under the direction of Picayune Funeral Home. Please visit our website for the obituary. You can leave an online condolence or share photos and memories at

www.picayunefuneral.com