Obituary of James Davis Ballsmith

Jim was born in Tacoma, WA on December 8, 1932 and passed away at home on January 18, 2014, after a battle with Alzheimer’s and lymphoma. He was surrounded by his adoring wife, Pat Ballsmith, and sister, Karen Parker. Major James D. Ballsmith, USAF Retired, was the recipient of the Silver Star for gallantry in combat while serving in Vietnam. Through his diligence as an Electronics Warfare Officer on a AC-130 Specter Gunship, his actions resulted in his gunship and crew out flying two SAM missiles that were fired on them while performing a combat mission. Being the dignified man and officer he was, refused the mention of this citation. He would not accept it unless the entire crew received the same recognition. He stated that he did not act alone and that the entire gunship crew was also responsible for not only saving their lives, but the ship as well. Through his determination, all crew members were awarded the Silver Star. Upon returning home, after the ceremony, he placed the Silver Star back into its case and placed it in the top drawer of his desk. He said "it was just another day at the office." Aside from years of being a rock hound, an avid reader, and the love of traveling to new and exciting places, he will be remembered for his serious pancake making skills, ability to render you speechless with one sarcastic, witty comment, and a laugh that came from the heart and left him gasping in hilarity. We are all so touched by his grace and influence. He is also survived by his children: Nick (Sharon) Ballsmith, Ken Ballsmith, James (Elsie) Ballsmith , Teresa (Othman) Erickson, Lisa (Mark) Vogel, and Laura (Alex) Brownsmith. He was blessed with 13 grandchildren, and many beloved great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews. Pop will be their forever hero. Jim was buried at Tahoma National Cemetery in Kent in a small family service. A public memorial will be held on Saturday, January 25, at 12:00 noon, at the Shelton Presbyterian Church, 1430 E. Shelton Springs Road, Shelton, WA If you wish, please donate to Hospice, as they were kind and caring in Jim’s care at home.