James "Eddie" Ballard, 69, passed away on Friday May 22, 2026. He was born on June 14, 1956, in Buncombe County, he was the son of the late Opie J. and Annie Mae Proffit Ballard.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, Betty Ballard.

Eddie is survived by his brother, Hoyle Ballard; and sister, Viola Hughes.

A funeral service will be held at 1:00 pm Thursday, May 28, 2026, in the Robbie Capps Memorial Chapel of Blue Ridge Funeral and Cremation Service, with Reverend Troy Rogers officiating. Burial will follow in Bethel Baptist Church Cemetery. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the funeral home.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.blueridgefuneralservice.org.