Rev. Ballard's Legacy That Of 'Peacemaker'
To be recognized as the "peacemaker" is a high tribute indeed, but the Rev. James Elmer Ballard, mayor of Lindale who died Saturday, perhaps made his greatest impact in an extended community as a caring and compassionate presence in time of need.
It was as mayor of Lindale, a post to which he was elected in 2006, Ballard gained the "peacemaker" designation because of a calm and diplomatic demeanor to council sessions. He had been a minister for more than 30 years.
Over a much wider area, his role as chaplain for Tyler, Lindale and local Texas Department of Public Safety officers and families, his service with St. Paul Children's Foundation and other organizations is remembered with fondness and gratitude by many he influenced.
Ballard had a reputation for always being a helpful presence whenever tragedy struck the community.
As Lindale mayor, Ballard brought a spirit of reconciliation during a crucial time in the city's history, said City Administrator Owen Scott, who described him as "a blessing." He said Ballard's approach to politics and life in general was refreshing and he always had a kind, positive word to share.
Evidence that Ballard had impressed the community with his performance as mayor is that no candidate filed to oppose him for re-election to another two-year term.
The greatest aspect of Ballard's character, Scott said, was his ability to bring calm to a storm, whether it was as mayor, as a concerned citizen or in connection with his chaplain duties for several groups.
Ballard initiated the Tyler Police Department's chaplain service in 1995 and served in those duties until his death. Tyler Police Chief Gary Swindle said Ballard always answered the call when others had suffered great losses, and his death was "a devastating loss for the police. He was anything and everything around here whenever we needed something to be done."
In his position as Senior Chaplain of the TPD, Ballard recruited area pastors to participate in the chaplain program that assists officers and victims in times of crisis. He served on the board of the Children's Advocacy Center, board of the East Texas Council of Governments and as vice president of Texas Municipal League.
The Rev. James E. Ballard may be most widely remembered as a deeply caring person whose calm, positive reassurance made difficult times more bearable for many fellow citizens in the extensive community he served.
