Jim Francis Ballew's Obituary
Jim Ballew, age 89, of Centerville, Iowa and a former Moulton, Iowa resident, passed away Friday, July 17, 2015, at Mercy Medical Center in Centerville surrounded by his family. He had been in ill health for over 10 years. He was born the son of Richard and Marie (Chambers) Ballew on November 3, 1925 in Albia, Iowa. His family later moved to Moulton where he attended Moulton Schools and was a member of the Moulton United Methodist Church in his early years. When Jim was in his teens he joined the Army and served his country during WWII in Japan. When he returned from the service he renewed his faith and began working for the Norfolk, Wabash and Western Railroads. He continued working for them until his retirement in 1978. On September 2, 1950, Jim was united in marriage to Imogene Burgher Hargrave in Kahoka, Missouri. They farmed in the Moulton area, he enjoyed taking care of all kinds of animals and especially horses, at one time he had at least 40 of them.He was a member of the American Legion Post 280 in Moulton, Iowa for over 64 years. Jim had many friends and his biggest joy in life was visiting with all of them. He is sadly missed by his family and friends.Jim is preceded in death by: his parents; his brother, George Ballew of Moberly, Missouri; and his sister, Betty Ballew Allen of Montana.He is survived by: his wife of 64 years, Jean Ballew of Centerville, Iowa; a son, Dan Hargrave of Centerville, Iowa; a brother, John Ballew of Des Moines, Iowa; three grandchildren, Julie Hardeman of Kansas, Brian Hargrave and Emily Micetich of Centerville, Iowa; five great grandchildren; along with several nieces, nephews and cousins.Funeral services will be held at 10 am, Tuesday, July 21, 2015 at the Schmidt Family Funeral Home in Centerville, Iowa with Brian Hargrave officiating. Burial with full military honors will follow at the Sunset View Cemetery north of Moulton, Iowa. Visitation will be on Monday, July 20, 2015 from 2 pm until 8 pm at the funeral home with the family present from 6 pm until 8 pm.Memorials can be made to either the American Legion in Moulton or to any Church in the Moulton area and can be left or mailed to the funeral home. The To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Jim Francis Ballew please visit our Sympathy Store.
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