Obituary of James Francis Ballas

James Francis Ballas October 20, 1939 – March 19, 2025 James Francis Ballas, 85, of Erie, PA, passed away peacefully at home on Wednesday, March 19, 2025, after a brief illness. James was born on October 20, 1939, in New Wilmington, PA, to Joseph and Armella (Wehrheim) Ballas. After a few years, his family relocated to Erie, where he spent the rest of his life. He graduated from Academy High School and proudly served his country in the United States Air Force as a member of the Air Force Police. Following his military service, James dedicated his career to law enforcement, serving with the Erie Police Department until his retirement in 1995. After retiring, he found joy in running a small landscaping business, where he passed on his values of hard work and dedication to his grandchildren. A man of deep faith, James was a lifelong member of Holy Rosary Church. His trust in God was the foundation of his life, guiding how he treated others—with kindness, humility, and love. James had many hobbies, including gardening, long walks, and cheering on his beloved New York Yankees. But above all, he cherished time spent with his loving wife, children, grandchildren, and great-granddaughter. He was always ready to lend a helping hand and was known for his wisdom, generosity, and unwavering support for those he loved. He is survived by his beloved wife of 63 years, Brenda; his daughters, Christine Kalie (Daniel) and Amy Nedreski (Michael); his grandchildren, Ryan Kalie, Danielle Walter (Matthew), Ashley Downey (Nick), Michael Nedreski, Nick Gorny, Alex Gorny, Matthew Nedreski, and Brady Nedreski; and his great-granddaughter, Grace Walter, many nieces and nephews and his dear friend and neighbor, Gary. James was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Joseph Ballas; his sisters, Bertha Spaeder, Marie Hanes, and Jane Cummings; and his granddaughter, Alexa Nedreski. Friends may call at the Dusckas-Martin Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc., 4216 Sterrettania Rd. on Monday, March 24, 2025, from 4 pm until 7 pm and are invited to a Funeral Mass at Our Lady of Peace R. C. Church, 2401 West 38th Street on Tuesday, March 25, 2025 at 1:45 PM. Interment Gate of Heaven Cemetery. Memorial contributions in James’s honor may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, PO Box 1893, Memphis, TN 38101-9950, a cause that was dear to him. James now rests in the loving arms of his Heavenly Father, reunited with those who went before him. His legacy of faith, love, and service will live on in all who were blessed to know him.