Jim and Kristene Ballard will be the 2022 Pioneer Days Parade Co-Grand Marshals on July 23. Jim Ballard was born and raised in Snowflake. After serving a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints he moved to Mesa to attend college and met and married Kristene Nielson. Jim ran his father-in-law’s truss plant for four years and then decided to return home to Snowflake to start his own. Jim has been a substantial employer, honorable businessman and an asset to the economy of the community. He also served a term on the town council. He has served in various church callings from scoutmaster to counselor in a bishopric and stake presidency. He remembers with affection when he was serving as the elders quorum president and his wife was the Relief Society president that they held hands during ward correlation meetings. He and his wife Kristene served a church service mission for four years at the bishop’s storehouse. He has served as a temple ordinance worker and is currently volunteering again at the bishop’s storehouse. He and his wife served a site mission in Nauvoo, Ill., and a member leadership mission to Bermuda for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Kristene learned to love Snowflake soon after moving here. She remembers the warmth and kindness that were shown to her by the community members which made her feel at home. She was asked to sing with the Liberty Belles directed by Eugene Webb and to be a member of the Silver Creek Performing Arts Guild, serving as its president four times. She has served as a tour guide for the Heritage Foundation for many years and in various church callings including a church service mission at the distribution center. She served in the scouting movement for over 20 years both on the unit and district level. She is currently serving as an ordinance worker in the Snowflake temple. They have nine sons, 31 grandchildren and one adorable great-grandchild. They remind each other often of the blessing it is to be living in such a peaceful, caring community surrounded by friends, family and loved ones.
