James A. Ball, 81, of Utica passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, August 31, 2010. Jim was born in Utica on September 19, 1928 a son of Raymond E. and Frances M. (Allen) Ball. He received his education in the Utica School system and was a graduate of Utica Free Academy. In Clinton, NY on July 29, 1950 Jim married Emily Cresswell a blessed union of 60 years. For many years until his retirement he was employed with the New York Telephone Co. Jim was a parishioner of The Church of The Sacred Heart and St. Mary Our Lady of Czestochowa, New York Mills, a life time member of the Knights of Columbus Utica Council # 189, Telephone Pioneers of America and was an avid Atlanta Braves Fan. In his earlier years Jim was an avid bowler. Jim is survived by his wife, Emily, two sons and daughters-in-law, James A. and Leslie Ball, Jr., Utica and Stephen T. and Sandy Ball, CA, two grandchildren, Ryan Ball and Kimberly Ball, two brothers and sisters-in-law, Raymond and Marion Ball, Marcy and Donald and Margaret Ball, Syracuse, a sister-in-law, Bernice Ball, Pearl River, NY and many nieces and nephews. Jim was predeceased by a brother, John Ball. Mr. Ball's funeral will be held on Saturday, September 4, 2010 at 9:15 from the Heintz Funeral Home, 1517 Whitesboro St., Utica and at 10:00 from The Church of The Sacred Heart and St. Mary Our Lady of Czestochowa. Burial will be in Mt. Olivet Cemetery, Whitesboro. Calling hours at the funeral home are Friday from 4-7. Those so wishing may make donations to The Church of The Sacred Heart and St. Mary Our Lady of Czestochowa in Jim's memory.