Jimmie Devual Ballard

Jimmie "Jim" Devual Ballard, 72, a resident of Luverne, Alabama, passed away peacefully in his home on Friday, November 13th, 2026, while surrounded by his family. Funeral services for Jim will be held at 11 AM on Tuesday, November 17th, at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints with President Kim Kurscher officiating. Interment will follow in Sipper Cemetery with Turners Funeral Home of Luverne directing the services. The family will receive friends at the church on Tuesday for one hour prior to the service.

Jim was a hard-working man who believed in doing things right and keeping his word. He never did anything halfway. If someone needed help, he was there-no questions asked or payment expected. He even took it upon himself to keep Sipper Cemetery looking well & lovingly tended. Jim's faith also became such an important part of his life. Jim loved his church and church family, accepted the callings he felt led to take on, and continued attending whenever he was able, even as his health declined. He and Charlotte were even remarried and sealed in the temple in Birmingham, a meaningful moment they shared despite how sick he was.

More than anything, Jim loved his family. He adored Charlotte and was so proud of his grandchildren. He showed up for their events, and was always ready to do whatever they asked. He even cared for little July from six months old until just recently. To all of them, he was "Granddaddy Jim"-a steady, loving presence they could count on. He also enjoyed Alabama football and NASCAR, and he faced life with the same determination he brought to everything else. In the end, Jim assured everyone he wasn't afraid of death; he just didn't want to leave his beloved Charlotte. The measure of a man is how he stands up for those he loves and, by any measure, Jim never failed to show his family just how much he loved them and how they should love & be loved in return.

Jim was preceded in death by son, Shaun Wilkes; parents, I.D. & Aline Daniels Ballard; and siblings, Edwina Mothershed, Patricia Gregory, Kenny Ballard, Betty Coleman, Helen Benbow, and Randy Ballard. Survived by his loving wife of 27 years, Charlotte Sipper Ballard; children, Jimmy Loran "Punky" (Tina) Ballard, Jimmie Devual (Michelle) Ballard Jr, Jonathan Ballard, and Sabrina (Jesse) Dempsey; grandchildren, Taylor, Gage, & Sidney Ballard, Tatum & Jackson Ballard, Grayson Ballard, Gabe Lee-Dempsey, July, Ophelia, Taylor, and Natalee Dempsey, and Devin, Ashton, Braxton, & Carson Wilkes; great-grandchildren, Alexis Marie & Liam Ballard, Kailyn Asher, Mary Grace, Seraphina, & Brixton Wilkes; siblings, Shirley Black, Becky Rollins, June Nichols, Sue Dougre, and Kay Wilkerson; a host of nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends.

Active pallbearers will be Punky Ballard, Jesse Dempsey, Braxton Wilkes, Ashton Wilkes, Carson Wilkes, and Devin Wilkes.