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Academic Hall of Fame Inductee: Mr. James M. Ballard

By Klinginsmith, Tiffani on August 23, 2018

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James M. Ballard will be inducted into the Putnam County High School Academic Hall of Fame on Friday, August 31, 2018. The ceremony will take place in the middle school auditorium at 9:00 a.m. and the public is welcome to attend.

James Ballard was a Putnam County High School graduate with the class of 1981. Growing up, James loved to read, play baseball, and spend time with his family. During his high school years, James worked at Hy-Vee in Unionville. James joined the U.S. Marine Corps and was enlisted from 1983-1986. James earned his Bachelor of Liberal Arts in 1990 and graduated from Drake University Law School, Juris Doctorate in 1993.

He started the Ballard Law Firm in Waukee, Iowa in 2013 and has been a highly accomplished attorney for over twenty-five years with experience in all phases of litigation. James was originally attracted to law, hoping to make a change, and he still strives for that today. He has been an advocate for nursing home residents because he believes the people there need a voice to speak for them so that they are not mistreated.

James is most proud of his family which consists of his wife Renee, and their three sons Alec 22, Cole 19, and Jade 17. Alec is pursuing a Master’s Degree in business, Cole is a Freshman in college, and Jade is a senior in high school and works at Hy-Vee just as his father did. James is a true believer in small town ethics and values and has instilled them in his children. Putnam County R-I Schools and the Alumni Association are excited to induct James M. Ballard into the Academic Hall of Fame 2018.