James Ball Obituary

James Ball
October 20, 1931 - December 24, 2021
Tacoma, Washington - James Charles Ball was born on October 20, 1931, in Puyallup, Washington. He passed, in his sleep, at St. Joe's Hospital on December 24, 2021. He grew up in Puyallup and graduated from Puyallup High School. He served two years in the military, attended WSU and PLU and taught and coached for 31 years in the Nooksack and University Place school districts. Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Jim and Elsa, his brothers, Jack and Jerry and his wives, Ramona and Florence. He is survived by his children, Jim Ball (Claudia), Stephanie Ball and Don Ball (Delia), his grandchildren, Capp Crawford (Vickie), Jimmy Ball (Riana), Matt Ball (Rachel) and Jennifer Connor (Mike). Jim had 5 great grandchildren.
Jim was an accomplished athlete during high school and college. He was all-state in football and baseball and was offered a minor league baseball contract by the Seattle Rainiers. He was only the third athlete at Puyallup HS to receive the Gold Award for earning 8 varsity letter awards in his three years of high school. Jim coached several sports during his 31 year teaching career but he was mainly known for his job as the wrestling coach at Curtis High School. His teams won 209 matches and 5 Seamount League Championships. Jim is in the Washington State Wrestling Hall of Fame and the National Wrestling Coaches Hall of Fame.
Our family would like to thank the wonderful staff at Bridgeport Place Assisted Living for their loving care and the important friendships he made during his too brief 5 year stay. Finishing lunch and dinner with pie and ice cream every day was a dream come true. We will all remember Jim for his ability to be ready with a joke to tell, his phone calls (short) on a friend's birthday, his love and knowledge of sports and his kind spirit. Dad always said he was a lucky man and we were lucky to have him.
A memorial gathering for Jim will take place when we can be together safely.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by News Tribune (Tacoma) on Jan. 2, 2022.

Memories and Condolences
for James Ball

12 Entries

Larry Brown

January 7, 2023

I am so fortunate to have known Jim from the time I was a Curtis HS wrestler and Head Wrestling coach at Fife HS. Jim always had a warm greeting and a demeanor that made you feel so comfortable while conversing with him. Jim was admired and respected by all who had the privilege to know him. Respectfully,
Larry Brown

Jill Magnuson

January 9, 2022

Dear Ball Family,
So many years have passed, but my memories of your family are vivid!
I remember Jim & Mona´s smiles and laughter like it was yesterday!
Your parents were very dear to my folks Ole & Marie as well as the entire PLU Gang.
Sending you my sympathy & love,
Jill Magnuson

David Engle

Planted Trees

Larry Brown

January 3, 2022

I was a student & wrestler at Curtis High 1960-1964. During this time Ramon Paine was my HS wrestling coach and Jim Ball was the Jr High coach. (Ramon & Jim remaind friend for many years) Jim always had a welcoming smile and word of encouragement and kind words toward myself and Curtis wrestlers. It was a great honor for me as head wrestling coach at Fife in 1973 to have my team wrestle CHS in a SEAMONT league duel meet & post season tournaments. Jim was a great role model for me because he was such a class act with his sportsmanship demeanor. A true legion and loved by all who had the the pleasure of knowing him. My condolences to his family.

Barbara Emrick

January 3, 2022

I have very fond memories of the Ball family. The lake place, Fritz and Jim painting our house, the laughs. Jim coached John and Max Emrick in wrestling, fun years, He will be missed. So sorry for your loss.

Jay (Mike) Hanby

January 3, 2022

...a legend gone up yonder... Blessings and God's Peace to all. Mike Hanby former wrestling coach, Steilacoom H.S.

Paige Leininger RDH

January 3, 2022

I had the opportunity to meet Jim regularly. He was alway on time for his appointments. He was conscious of people's time. We will miss him at Light Dental Studios . I am sorry for the families loss. He was a nice man.

chuck curran

January 3, 2022

wonderful guy. great jokes on the wrestling bus !

'63

Dan Dyer

January 2, 2022

Jim and Claudia, so very sorry to hear of your dad´s passing. He was always kind to me and many thought very highly of him. God bless you in your time of grief and sorrow. I think of you two often. Always- Dan (As you know Valerie passed away almost 9 years ago, it´s been a rough go losing so many dear to my; my folks, a brother, our first Granddaughter and of course Val. Don´t know if you knew but Jamie Marsh passed 4 years ago as well)

Diane Williams Charouhas

January 2, 2022

Mr. Ball was an icon at Curtis. So respected. He set a high standard for his students/athletes and lead them to be their best. I loved him for that.

Jarie Carlson

January 2, 2022

I really liked Mr Ball. He coached my Brother, Joe, in wrestling!

Patrick Maes, CHS `84

January 2, 2022

Rest In Peace, Coach.

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