James Earl Balling

James Earl Balling, Sr. 80 of Coudersport, passed away Friday January 24, 2020 at Geisinger Medical Center in Danville, PA. He was born November 10, 1939 to Frederick and Bert (Eggert) Balling in Santa Fe, NM. At an early age he connected with the Christian Brothers and their emphasis on education had a lasting impact on James. He himself earned his master’s in history and dedicated himself to teaching, spending much of his career at PS69 Houghton Academy in Buffalo, New York teaching middle school history. He married Mary Ann Huggins, and they moved from the Buffalo area to Coudersport. James loved teaching and reading, and deeply enjoyed being outdoors and part of nature while taking walks. James is survived by his wife Mary Ann Balling of Coudersport,; one son: James E. Balling, Jr. (Lerryn) of Niceville, FL; two daughters: Darby Ann Sheridan of East Aurora, NY and Lisa Marie Brennan of Buffalo, NY; 10 grandchildren; one great-grandchild; and one brother: John Balling (Melinda) of Santa Fe, NM. He was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers: Jerry and Jeffrey Balling. Family will gather at their home Friday January 31 for a private tribute to James’s life. To share a memory or condolence visit www.thomasfickinger.com.