Orie J. Ballion

Orie Jack Ballion, 85, of Sun Lakes, AZ, formerly of Decatur, IL, passed away on Saturday, January 9, 2016 at his home in Sun Lakes, AZ from complications of cancer. Jack was born on September 7, 1930 in Taylorville, IL to Emanuel and Juanita (Ferguson) Ballion.

Jack spent his primary years in Springfield, IL in the care of his grandparents and his secondary years in Taylorville, IL. He graduated from Taylorville High School in 1950.  After high school, Jack continued his education to receive a Bachelor of Arts in both History and Psychology from Millikin University Decatur, IL in 1954. Jack is also a graduate of the IL Bankers School at Southern IL University and the Graduate School of Banking at the University of Wisconsin – Madison. Jack was drafted into the US Army during the Korean War in August 1952. He served as a photographer and was present for 11 atomic bomb tests.

Jack married Jane (Doak) on May 25, 1957 in Decatur, IL; they were happily married for over 58 years. Jack was a member of Westminster Presbyterian Church, where he served two terms as Deacon. Jack was particularly proud to be a table parent for the LOGO’s Children’s Program. Jack enjoyed spending time with his family, historical travels, photography, sharing his “War Story Orie” stories with friends, reading and tending to his lawn and flowers.

Jack worked, in various positions, as a banker for the former Citizens National Bank for almost 40 years. Following his retirement from banking, he renewed his teaching certificate and substituted at Decatur, IL and area schools for almost 10 years.

Jack was a member of various organizations including Delta Sigma Phi fraternity, a lifetime member of the Freemasons Macon Lodge No 8 since 1961, Elks Lodge, IL Jr. Chamber Jaycees, Jr. Achievement, Decatur Chamber of Commerce, Decatur Noon Lions Club, Decatur Rotary Club, Decatur Golden K Kiwanis, American Legion Castle Williams Post 105, Disabled American Veterans Decatur Macon County #17 and life member of the National Association of Atomic Veterans. Jack also volunteered for many organizations including the Democratic Party of Macon County, Decatur and Macon County United Way, Oak Grove PTA and Oak Grove Park concession stand, the Shemamo Girl Scouts Council and a merit badge counselor for the Lincoln Trails Council of the Boy Scouts of America.

Jack is survived by his wife Jane, his daughter Jill of Sun Lakes, AZ, former son in law David Smith of Garland, TX, his sister Bili Ziesmann of Madison Heights, VA, his niece, Suzanne Ziesmann, nephews, Peter Ziesmann, Hans Ziesmann, Cliff Doak, Ed Doak, other family and good friends.

Jack is preceded in death by his parents Emanuel and Juanita Ballion, grandparents, cousins, other family and good friends.

There will be a memorial service held at 10:00am on Saturday, January 30, 2016 at Sun Lakes Chapel of All Faiths 9240 E. Sun Lakes Blvd. North, Sun Lakes, AZ. Dr. Rev. Roger Daniels of Tucson, AZ, formerly Decatur, IL, will be officiating. There will also be a memorial service held at 10:00am on Saturday, February 13, 2016 at Westminster Presbyterian Church 1360 W. Main St., Decatur, IL. Dr. Rev. Timothy Kovalcik will be officiating. Arrangements are being handled by Bueler Mortuary and Chapel in Chandler, AZ.

In lieu of flowers the family requests memorial donations may be made to Millikin University History Department at Alumni & Development 1184 W. Main St., Decatur, IL 62522 or online at

www.millikin.edu/give

and Westminster Presbyterian Church Children’s Ministries 1360 W. Main St., Decatur, IL 62522.

The family of Jack wishes to thank all of the many people that touched his life and gave him extra special care and attention.