Davenport, New York - DAVENPORT - John Peter Ballard Jr., 85, of Davenport, passed away peacefully at his home on Thursday afternoon, June 2, 2022, surrounded by his family.

Born on Dec. 29, 1936, on the family farm in Davenport, he was the son of the late John Peter and Jennine (Kosier) Ballard.

John was a dedicated husband to his wife, Barbara Lee (Fingar) Ballard for more than 58 years until her passing on Oct. 9, 2021.

John was blessed to spend most of his life on the family farm, where his love of the outdoors, family and hard work shone through.

He was a welder by trade and owned Precision Welding.

He was an avid outdoorsman and enjoyed both hunting and fishing, with lifelong friends, family and often a faithful dog by his side.

John loved sports and could often be found cheering on both the Cleveland Browns and Indians/Guardians, Notre Dame and Duke. His dedication to youth sports in the Davenport area helped to create the Davenport Booster Club and he enjoyed coaching several Legion baseball teams. John served on both the town board and Charlotte Valley Central School District Board of Education.

His greatest pride came when watching his two boys compete on the field, court or track, and seeing them succeed in their educations and careers.

John was the cornerstone of the family, living life to the fullest as a dedicated husband, loving father, compassionate brother, and proud grandfather.

He is survived by his sons, Timothy (Tammy) Ballard of Worcester and Jason (Samantha) Ballard of Schoharie; grandchildren, Benjamin, John "Jack," Maxton, Lilian and Clark Ballard; brothers, Fred (Laura) and Butch (Kitty) Ballard; sisters, MaryAnn Nyback, Doreen (Bill) Allegretti, Genevieve (Bob) McMullen and Linda Clark; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

John's life will be celebrated at the Davenport Firehouse from 1 to 4 p.m., Saturday, June 25.

Share condolences with John's family online at www.macarthurfh.com.