John Herman Ballard, 77

John Herman Ballard left this earth to be with his Lord and Savior on January 21, 2024.

John came into this world on November 22, 1946, with his twin brother Bill Ballard. He was born in Whitehall, Montana, and was raised with his four siblings up the South Boulder and in the Cardwell Basin by Jack and Gladys Ballard.

John had a great passion for horses and big rigs. As a grown man, he almost always owned a horse and loved to ride and hunt.

When he needed to work, even though John certainly dabbled in policework for a moment and plenty of ranchhand work, his true career was hauling across the country in his semi. Between his CB and his Red Sovine 8 tracks, he was never bored. The age of cell phones was amazing for his ability to keep in touch with all his family and friends. This man was passionate about keeping everyone in touch with each other. He truly was the glue that held many friends and family members together.

John loved and married many times in his life, but he found his strongest love with Jan (Conway) Ballard. They have had over 25 wonderful years together, moving around the northwest while he drove truck for Wal-Mart.

When they retired they chose to move back home closer to their children and family. They finally settled in Whitehall and had a quiet retirement. However, John could never stay still for long and even though he went to hunting camp every year in the family camp up the Ruby and maintained his lawn like “Mr. Wilson” down the street, he could not help the craving to start truck driving again. He drove for Steve Warmoth and Shawn and Nikki (Ness) Briggs up until his cancer showed its ugly head for the second time.

Though John Ballard was a fighter he was no match for the awfulness of cancer. He shall be sorely missed by all who knew and loved him.

He is preceded in death by his father and mother Jack and Gladys (Shook) Ballard and his brother-in-law Randy Kirk. He is survived by his siblings Bill (Maryann) Ballard, Barbara (Bill) Seybert, Bev Kirk, and Casey (Kathleen) Ballard. Also surviving him are his children Lance (Diane) Loberg, Shawna (Shawn) Eva, Jamie Ballard (Paul Hunt), and grandchildren Sherrae Eva and Zeb (Laci) Gage, great-grandchildren Odessa Skolrud and Miles Gage. He also had many amazing nephews and nieces that he adored.

John Ballard never met a stranger and we are all pretty sure when he gets to the pearly gates that man will just charge up the way with a smile and a “Howdy.”

Services will be held Thursday, February 1st at 11 AM at the Jefferson Valley Bible Church by Jefferson Fresh Foods with a reception to follow.