James Eli Ball

James Eli Ball, age 80, of Rock, WV went to be with his savior and his beloved daughter, Pamela Rae Ball on Thursday, February 26, 2026, in Lindside, WV surrounded by family. James lived his life working hard as a construction worker. He married his wife, Virginia, in 1966 and together they raised a family of three boys and two girls. Their oldest daughter, Pamela, was taken in a tragic car accident when she was only 19 years old. He was severely injured, ending his construction career. James never let hard times or struggles get the best of him. He found humor and enjoyment in the small, everyday things. He was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend to many. If you knew James, you knew he would give you the shirt off his back. He never met a stranger. James loved to fish and he and his sons spent many days at the river together. He and Virginia were also avid ginseng hunters, spending many seasons in the mountains of WV. He may not have recognized his family towards the end, but would frequently say, "I don't know you, but I know I love you." He had a loving heart, and that's something dementia could never dim.

James was preceded in death by his lovely daughter, Pamela Ball; brothers, Joe Ball and Jim Grose; and sister, Nancy Akers.

Left to cherish James' memory are his wife of 60 years, Virginia Ball; sons, James Ball and Diane, Michael Ball and Kay, Eddie Ball and Tanya; daughter, Tina Short and Kevin; brothers, Rocky Ball and Tresa, and Billy Ball and Brenda; grandchildren, Justin Ball and Michelle, Jordan Ball and Crystal, Destiny Horton and Jacob, Michaela Albert and Austin, Samantha Ball, Andrew Miller and Makenzlie, Alyson Miller, Kevin Short and Katelyn Short. great-grandchildren, Jace Ball, Madison Ball, Victoria Ball, Ellie Horton, Isabella Albert, Broderick Albert, Lillianna Meredith, and Amelia Miller.

Funeral Service will be conducted 2:00 PM Wednesday, March 4, 2026 at Cravens-Shires Funeral Home with Pastor Shawn Bragg officiating. Burial will follow at Woodlawn Memorial Park where friends and family will serve as pallbearers.

The family will receive friends from 1:00 PM until the time of service at the Funeral Home.

Cravens-Shires Funeral Home is honored to serve the Ball family.