James "Jim" Richard Ballengee

James Richard Ballengee, known affectionately as Jim, passed away peacefully in his sleep on Wednesday, August 23, 2023, in Columbus, Georgia. Jim is remembered fondly as a man of wisdom, humor, and generosity.

A memorial service will be held at 3:00 PM Sunday, August 27, at First Presbyterian Church, 1100 First Avenue, Columbus, Georgia, 31901 according to McMullen Funeral Home and Crematory, 3874 Gentian Blvd. Columbus, GA 31907.

Jim was born on August 18, 1935, in Covington, Virginia. Jim received his BS in Chemical Engineering from Virginia Tech. He began his career as a co-op student at West Virginia Pulp and Paper Company (later Westvaco Corporation) while still a student at Virginia Tech. His dedication and hard work saw him stay with the company for almost 30 years, serving for many years as national sales director. He later joined the W.C. Bradley Company, where he remained until his well-deserved retirement.

Jim was an active participant in the Columbus business community. He served as president of the Chamber of Commerce and was a dedicated member of the Columbus Rotary club. These roles allowed him to contribute positively to his community's growth and development.

Outside of his professional life, Jim had a wide range of interests. He enjoyed golf in his younger years and served as president of Green Island Country Club during the transition to their new building. His love for reading, especially history, was well known among his friends and family. He often combined his love for travel and history by visiting many places at home and abroad for business and pleasure. Jim and Betty May shared a deep appreciation for music which they fostered in their children.

Jim's faith was a cornerstone of his life. He was an active member of the First Presbyterian Church of Columbus, Georgia, where he served as an Elder. His commitment to his faith was a guiding light throughout his life and provided a moral compass for his family.

One of the most cherished family traditions Jim helped foster was the annual reunion of the extended Ballengee family at Holden Beach, North Carolina. This ongoing tradition, which has been held for over 50 years, was a testament to Jim's commitment to family and values.

Jim was a devoted husband to his wife, Betty May Rose Ballengee, a loving father to their children: James Richard Ballengee, Jr.; Robert Shannon Ballengee (Laura); Elizabeth Ballengee Eastman (Frank); Jennifer Rose Ballengee (Roger Kylin), and a proud grandfather to eight grandchildren and one great-granddaughter. His family was the center of his life, and he treasured the time they spent together.

Jim Ballengee was a man of distinctive character, intelligence, and humor. His life was filled with love for his family, dedication to his work, and commitment to his community. He leaves behind a legacy of love, leadership, and laughter that will be remembered and cherished by all who knew him. He will be deeply missed but forever remembered in the hearts of his loved ones.