John Herman Ballard

John Herman Ballard left this earth to be with his lord and savior today on January 21st, 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 4

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 police

work for a moment and plenty of ranch hand 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 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 that 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, Casey (Kathleen) Ballard.

His children Lance (Diane) Loberg, Shawna (Shawn) Eva, Jamie Ballard (Paul

Hunt). 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 I’m 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 at 11 AM the Jefferson Valley Bible Church of Christ by

the Whitehall grocery store with a reception to follow.