Jason Ray Ballmes, CCC., age 50, of Newport, Michigan went home to be with the Lord on Monday, January 3, 2022 in his home, surrounded by his loving family.
Born May 9, 1971 in Stockton, California, Jason was the son of the late Marland R. and Phyllis C. (Ellegood) Ballmes. Jason was a 1989 graduate of West Valley High School in Cottonwood, CA. After graduation Jason served his country honorably and proudly in the United States Army. He served in the Patriot Missile Unit during Operation Dessert Storm. For his heroism he received the Army Service Ribbon, Southwest Asia Service Medal with 2 Bronze Stars, and the National Defense Service Medal.
On July 22, 1994 Jason married his beloved wife, the former Tracy A. Phillips in Redding, CA.
Jason was an award winning, classically trained chef. He attended the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, NY where he received his AOS in Culinary Arts and was a Certified Chef De Cuisine.
Jason was an Ordained Deacon with the Southern Baptist Convention and a member of CrossPointe Church in Monroe. Jason was very talented and a jack of all trades. He enjoyed cooking, woodworking, fishing, foraging outdoors, hiking and camping. Jason will be remembered as a people person, who never met a stranger and enjoyed telling stories. Most of all Jason loved time spent with family and cooking for them too.
Jason is survived by his beloved wife of 27 years, Tracy, two loving children: Rebekah L. Ballmes and Samantha R. (fiancé’, Michael Kiesznowski) both of Newport, and his fur babies: Bleu Cheese and Chicken Nuggets.
In addition to his parents, Jason was preceded in death by his brother Eric Ballmes.
On Friday January 7, 2022 friends are invited to celebrate Jason’s life at CrossPointe Church, 1675 Stewart Road, Monroe, MI, 48162, beginning at 5:00 pm. At 6:30 pm the VFW Post 1138 will conduct military honors followed by a celebration of life service, officiated by Rev. Jay A. Anderson. Visitation will continue until 9:00 pm.
Memorial contributions are suggested to Point Man – Northern California, PO Box 990112, Redding, CA, 96099.
Bacarella Funeral Home, 1201 S. Telegraph Rd., Monroe, Michigan, 48161 is assisting Jason’s family with funeral arrangements.
Online condolences and special memories may be shared with the family by visiting the obituary page at www.bacarellafuneralhome.com.