Jack D. Ballard, affectionately known as "Black Jack", a retired flying Tiger Line Captain, passed away peacefully on Saturday, November 22, 2008.

He was born July 8, 1936, in Wibaux, Montana to Jack Ballard and Nora Feragen.

He grew up in Billings, Montana and Beach North Dakota. Jack spent time hunting in the Badlands and helping his dad in his John Deere dealership during his youth. He loved cars and music, played drums in a dance band during high school.

Jack graduated from Beach High School, North Dakota in 1954 and immediately joined the Air Force. He trained as an air traffic controller 1954 - 1955 and attended the Air Force Academy 1956 - 1957. He is a lifetime member of the Falcon Club.

Following his military service Jack attended the University of Wyoming in Laramie from 1957 - 1960. He married Marilyn Beal in July of 1959, the mother of his three children, Jack, Kelly and Mary. In 1965 Jack joined the Flying Tiger Line based in San Francisco. His flights took him all over the world including numerous flights into Viet Nam during the war. In 1981 Jack was disability retired as a 747 Captain based in Seattle.

In his younger years Jack enjoyed playing golf, bowling, sailing, fishing, and boating in the San Juans. He raised Dalmatians and Papillons for show. Jack collected antique cars, enjoyed writing and acting. He had a nice voice and loved to sing along with his children.

He married Barbara (Nee Bowman) Eubanks in 1984. They enjoyed vacations in Hawaii, camping trips in Montana using their motor home, and trips to North Dakota to visit Jack's family.

He was preceded in death by his father, Jack Ballard; mother, Nora Feragen of North Dakota and Mesa, Arizona; sister, Doris Uelman, San Diego, California; sister, Maryls Braden, Lake Havasu, Arizona; and favorite aunt and uncle Clarence and Anne Ballard, Beach, North Dakota.

He is survived by his loving wife of 24 1/2 years, Barbara; sons: Jack Ballard, Jr., PhD. (Lori), Alliance, Ohio; Kelly Ballard PhD. (Frayne), Sherwood, Oregon; daughter, Mary Gifford, Lynnwood, WA; Step-children: Michael Eubanks DMD (Chris) Burlington, WA; Shellie Highet (Jerry) Bow, WA; sister, Juanita Griebel, El Cajon, CA; and special cousins: Don and Valli Ballard and their family, Beach, ND. Also grandchildren: Dexter, Kyle, Kenny, Erienne and Heather and step-grandchildren: Laura, Cheryl, Kevin and Jay.

Special thanks to the nurses and staff at Birchview, Skagit Valley Hospital and Mira Vista Care Center for their loving care of Jack.

At his request, there will be no services. The family will have a private celebration of his life.