James Dwight Ballard of Holland formerly Hamlin Twp,

Passed away January 3, 2026, at the age of 95. Jim was born in his family’s home in Onondaga, Michigan on July 1, 1930, to Dwight and Eva Ballard. He enjoyed growing up on his family’s farm and, as a teenager, drove the family truck to school and, after school, picked up farm supplies from the local feed mill. Jim graduated from Eaton Rapids High School as his class’s valedictorian in 1948. He met Carolyn Kautz in East Lansing at a Peoples Church gathering on September 25, 1948, and they married on August 18, 1951. Jim joined FarmHouse Fraternity in 1950 and was active with the association throughout his life. Jim graduated from Michigan State College in 1952 with an Agricultural Extension degree.

After serving in the Korean War as a 1st Lieutenant, Jim and Carolyn moved to the family farm in 1954, building their home in Onondaga. Jim partnered with his father on their chicken farm. They added hogs to the farm in 1963, then fully transitioned to a hog farm in 1969. In 1980, he entered into a farm partnership with one of his sons, Dave, then sold the farm to Dave in 1992. Jim served on the Michigan Pork Producers council as a National Director for 8 years and was honored as a Master Pork Producer in 1981.

Jim was active in the local community, serving in multiple positions at the First United Methodist Church of Eaton Rapids. He also served as a Hamlin Township trustee from 1956 to 1988.

Jim and Carolyn had a strong, loving relationship for 69 years. They enjoyed traveling and led family trips around Michigan and North America as their 4 children grew up. Later in life, they arranged family reunions around the globe. In retirement, they traveled the United States and Canada in their fifth wheel camper or their truck camper. They enjoyed traveling throughout the world with the Pork Producers, MSU-led trips or visiting their children internationally.

Jim and Carolyn wintered in their home in Florida. Summers and Falls were spent on the farm, swimming with their grandchildren and great grandchildren, and participating in many MSU events. Jim was an avid gamer and played many different card and board games. If he wasn’t working or playing, Jim could be found in his pool floating in a deflated inner tube or churning homemade ice cream.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Dwight and Eva Ballard, his sisters, Nancy Ballard and Esther Richmond, and his wife, Carolyn Ballard. He is survived by his children, Ron (Karen) Ballard, Cathy (Phil) Bowen, Dave (Joanna) Ballard, Bruce (Julie) Ballard; grandchildren LaRona Jones, Patrick (Aleaha) Bowen, Andrew (Lisa) Bowen, Laura (Jaime) Koopman, Jeff (Melissa) Ballard, Jack (Milo Kruppa) Ballard, Abbey Ballard and Brandon (Brianna) Ballard; and 13 great grandchildren. He also leaves behind many nieces, nephews and dear friends.

Funeral Services will be held at 11:00am on Saturday, January 10, 2026, at the First United Methodist Church of Eaton Rapids. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service as well as Friday, January 9, 2026, at the Mills Funeral Home, Shelly-Odell Chapel from 4-6:30pm. Interment will take place in Rosehill Cemetery. For those desiring, memorial contributions may be made to First United Methodist Church of Eaton Rapids, Eaton Rapids Teen Space or CFHZ-Freedom Village Scholarship Fund in loving memory of James Dwight Ballard. To leave condolences for the family, visit our website www.millsfuneral.com.