Submitted by: Dan Rich
James Joseph Balough
Oct. 28, 1918 - Sept. 30, 2001
South Bend Tribune 10/3/2001
James Joseph Balough, 82, a lifelong
resident of South Bend, Ind., went to be with the Lord on Sunday,
Sept. 30th, due to natural causes. James was born on Oct. 28,
1918, in South Bend, to Charles and Goldie Balough, who preceded
him in death. James was also the youngest of three brothers,
Alexander, Rudolph and Louie Balough, all who preceded him in
death, and also South Bend area residents.
On June 11, 1960, James married the love of
his life, Alice Robak, who recently passed on March 9,
2001. He is survived by five daughters, Sandra M. (Gary) Baldwin
of South Bend, Sister Janice Kolesiak from the Sisters of
St. Francis, Mishawaka, Ind., Betty Reed of Mishawaka and
Virginia (Robert) Mell, also of South Bend, and Patricia Bendickson
of Dixon, Ill. James also has 10 grandchildren, Bert Bendickson
Jr. of Dixon, Julie Lottman of Dixon, Judy Hinners
of Dixon, Dawn Young of South Bend, Rhonda Mell of South
Bend, Robert Mell Jr. of South Bend, Mandi Godette of
South Bend, Jami Reed of Mishawaka, Loralee Reed of South Bend
and Joelle Imus of South Bend. James is also survived by
16 grandchildren, the newest addition born on Aug. 14, 2001, and
six great-great grandchildren.
James was a veteran of World War II and
served his country with courage and pride. He had worked for
White Farm, formerly known as the Oliver Corp., until his
retirement. He was a dedicated worker and father, husband,
brother, uncle, grandfather, great-grandfather and godfather. He
was of Hungarian descent and came from a musical family. He loved
to play the mandolin and had been in a band in earlier years. He
loved music and mushroom hunting, as much as he loved his family.
He recently said he would have liked to have composed music.
Well, Dad, now you can compose all the beautiful music you want
for the Lord and mom, and we will always feel the rhythm of your
love in our hearts. We will never forget what a wonderful man,
husband, dad, grandfather and hero you were. We know you have
touched many lives with beauty of spirit. You will never be
forgotten. We Love You.
Memorial services will be at 11 a.m.
Thursday, Oct. 4, in St. Adalbert Catholic Church, where friends
may call one hour before. Burial will be at Sacred Heart
Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the family. St.
Joseph Funeral Home, 824 S. Mayflower Road, is handling
arrangements.