William James “Jim” Balcolm III, 76, passed away Thursday June 2, 2016 in OhioHealth Riverside Methodist Hospital in Columbus following an unexpected heart event the previous Saturday.
He was born Feb. 9, 1940 in Mansfield to parents Bill & Isabelle (Miller) Balcolm. Jim graduated from Mansfield Senior High in 1958 where he was co-captain and quarterback of the football team and earned a scholarship to Kent State University. Sadly, a knee injury near the end of his senior year in high school halted his football dreams.
He later joined the Air National Guard, working as an aircraft electrician, a skill that would benefit him throughout his life.
Jim worked for 25 years as a computer programmer for First Buckeye (now Key Bank) and retired in 1994. He was a hands-on guy. He loved helping people and his kids knew Dad was their first call for any car trouble.
During retirement Jim enjoyed playing racquetball at the YMCA three or more times each week. The majority of his time though was reserved for his grandchildren; teaching them to ride a bike; wrestling with the boys; sneaking them candy. He could often be seen walking the neighborhood with any one of them, the little ones leading the way. Jim was a true Buckeye fan who bled scarlet and gray! His friends and family will remember his authentic nature and miss his opinionated guidance.
He is survived by his loving wife of 26 years Helen Balcolm, of Mansfield; children Jerry (Judith) Balcolm, of Phoenix, Julianne Balcolm, of Columbus, Jeannette Wisniewski, of Phoenix, Ralph Fry (Kathy Sesco), of Ontario, Ron (Stephanie) Fry, of Lexington, and Ryan (Hillary) Fry, of Mansfield; grandchildren Nick Balcolm, Brian (Chantel) Balcolm, Jenifer Balcolm, Michael Balcolm, Ben Click, Josh (Emily) Click, Daniel Wisniewski, Ian Fry, Marshall Fry, Olivia Fry, Nolan Fry, and Raelynn Fry; a brother Jack (Cindy) Balcolm, of Mansfield, sister Judy (Larry) Sauls, of Austin, Texas; his longtime racquetball friend Shirley Weddell, of Mansfield; along with numerous nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.
In addition to his parents, Jim was preceded in death by a sister, Jo Ann Ulery.
Friends may call from 2 to 6 p.m. Wednesday, June 8, 2016 in the Lexington Avenue Snyder Funeral Home. A private graveside burial, officiated by The Rev. Dr. Pentti Maki, will be held at a later date in Mansfield Cemetery.
Contributions in his memory to the Dystonia Medical Research Foundation may be made at the funeral home.
Snyder Funeral Homes is honored to serve Jim’s family and encourage you to share a fond memory or message of condolence to them — and watch his tribute video — at SnyderFuneralHomes.com.
Legacy Touch fingerprint PIN number for Jim: DABPXQMY Place an order by visiting www.ltkeepsakes.com
