Have you ever been sitting somewhere—perhaps quietly, perhaps unaware—and suddenly you hear music that reaches places in your soul you didn’t even know were aching? An angelic resonance that feels less like sound and more like the Holy Spirit gently speaking to your heart—offering peace, comfort, and hope.

That was Jim Ballew.

Born James Ervin Ballew on August 16, 1951, in Greenville, South Carolina, Jim was known to all who loved him simply as Jim—a name spoken easily, warmly, and often with a smile. He left this earthly realm unexpectedly on January 15, 2026, after a brief illness, but his presence, faith, and music continue to echo in the lives of those he touched.

To know Jim was to love and appreciate him. He was a kind man and a true leader—not by position or authority, but by compassion, humility, and understanding. Jim understood that life is not perfect. It is filled with trials, uncertainty, and pain. Yet he lived with a deep conviction that while life itself may be imperfect, we are called to live in perfection like Christ—loving generously, forgiving freely, and walking faithfully.

A proud graduate of Carolina High School, Jim dedicated himself to service early in life, serving his community and country as a Lance Corporal (LCPL) in the United States Marine Corps. His honorable service earned him the Good Conduct Medal, a distinction he carried with quiet pride throughout his life. Following his discharge from Fort Jackson, South Carolina, Jim worked as a salesman with Ballew Aluminum, later concluding his professional journey as a postal clerk with the United States Post Office.

But Jim’s greatest calling extended far beyond his career. He lived a life of true vocation. As Associate Pastor and Music Minister at Christ United Methodist Church, Jim shared the love of Christ through both Scripture and song. When he sat at the piano, something sacred happened. His music did not perform—it ministered. It uplifted weary spirits, softened heavy hearts, and reminded listeners that God was near. His teachings and mentorship reflected a faith that was lived, not proclaimed—steady, genuine, and deeply rooted.

Jim was especially devoted to serving others, always ready with a listening ear or a helping hand. His compassion shone brightly in his work with Home of the Heart, where he consistently put faith into action. Selflessness defined him—a living embodiment of the Scripture that reminds us it is more blessed to give than to receive.

Family was the heartbeat of Jim’s life. He treasured every moment with his beloved wife, Hannah “Beth” Ballew; his daughter Kristen Tinsley and her husband David; his son Justin Ballew; and his cherished grandchildren, Emma and Grayson Tinsley. He is also lovingly remembered by his brother Doug Ballew, his sister Janice Ballew, and special in-laws James (Jimmy) and Lynette McKenzie, all of whom carry forward his legacy of faith and kindness.

Jim embraced life with joy and humor. Whether enjoying a round of golf, savoring his favorite birthday cake from Strossners, or sharing a laugh with friends, his spirit was infectious. He welcomed strangers as friends and met each day with a joy that reflected a soul filled with the Holy Spirit.

A walk through Jim’s life reveals a man rich in faith, gentle in spirit, and unwavering in love. Though he has now entered eternal rest, his legacy remains—in the music that still stirs hearts, in the lives he mentored, and in the countless moments where his compassion made a difference.

Family and friends are invited to honor and celebrate the life of Jim Ballew on January 23, 2026, at Christ United Methodist Church, beginning with a Celebration of Life at 12:30 PM, followed by a Funeral Service at 2:00 PM. A memorial service at Woodlawn Memorial Park will follow at 3:30 PM, concluding with additional reflections back at Christ United at 5:00 PM.

As we say goodbye, we find comfort in Jim’s favorite Scriptures:

“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him.” — Romans 8:28

“Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine.” — Ephesians 3:20

In these words, we are reminded that Jim’s life was not an ending, but a continuation—a melody now completed in heaven, still resonating here on earth, uplifting souls just as he always did.