James Joseph Ballinger

James Joseph Ballinger, 65, of Weatherby Lake, Mo., passed away April 5, 2008, in Saline County. Private family services will be held Thursday, April 10, at Meyers Funeral Chapel Northland, 401 Main St., Parkville, Mo. In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions to Hillcrest Ministries, 5611 N. Northwood, Kansas City, MO 64151. Condolences to the family may be left at www.meyersfuneralchapel.com. Jim was born December 1, 1942, in Hannibal, Mo., to Dr. James Loren and Mary Elizabeth Courtney Ballinger. Following graduation from Hannibal High School, he attended Culver Stockton College, then earned a bachelor's degree in Chemistry from Northwest Missouri State University in Maryville. He worked in the securities industry for 33 years, formerly as General Partner with Edward Jones. In 1992, he joined A.G. Edwards and became Branch Manager of the Liberty and Cameron, Mo., branch offices; he was recently named Managing Director of A.G. Edwards, a division of Wachovia Securities. Jim was currently serving as Board Member of the Northwest Missouri State University Foundation, Northland Community Foundation, Liberty Chamber of Commerce and Partner, and Liberty Area Community Growth and Development. Formerly, he served as Board Member, Park Hill School District, Board Member, Tri-County Mental Health, and member of the Liberty Rotary Club. Jim is survived by his parents, James and Mary Elizabeth Ballinger, of Columbia, Mo.; wife, Gaye Noland Ballinger of the home; sister Sharon Ayers of New London, Mo.; daughters Melanie Jo and husband Dr. Timothy Apodaca, Cranston, R.I., Carson and husband Joe McCabe, Apple Valley, Minn., and son Collin and wife Shirley Young, Kansas City, Mo. He will also be greatly missed by his beloved grandchildren, Cameron Young, Afton Apodaca, Mary Grace Apodaca, Mason Young, Emory Apodaca and Violet Apodaca. A Ballinger-style bash is to follow in coming months. Arrangements: Meyers Funeral Chapel Northland, 401 Main St., Parkville, MO 64152. Published in the Kansas City Star on 4/10/2008.