In Memory of
James S. "Jimbo"
Ballato
Ballato
2017
Memorial Candle Tribute From
Gaffney - Dolan Funeral Home
"We are honored to provide this Book of Memories to the family."
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Memorial Candle Tribute From
Tom & Martha Moretti
"We loved saying Jimbo was our cousin."
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Obituary for James S. "Jimbo" Ballato
James S. "Jimbo" Ballato,83, beloved husband of the late Priscilla West Ballato, passed away on January 12, 2016 at Pendleton in Mystic. Born in Pawcatuck, CT, he was the eldest son of the late Salvatore and Mary Ballato. His brother, Ralph J. Ballato also predeceased him.
Jimbo was raised a devout Catholic. He graduated from St. Michael School and was a member of The Maria Assunta Society. He graduated from Stonington High School in 1952 and was class president for 3 years. Jimbo was a gifted athlete lettering in football, baseball, basketball, and track. He holds the record for the highest single season batting average at .545.Jimbo’s claim to fame was playing in a baseball game and competing in a track meet simultaneously in 1952. He played three innings of baseball and then ran the 100 yard dash coming in first place. After playing 3 more innings of baseball, Jimbo ran the 220 also coming in first. He accomplished this feat by wearing his track uniform under his baseball uniform and then earned his nickname, “Superman”. After high school, he attended Arnold College for 1 year on a baseball and track scholarship. He then joined the Army serving 2 years. Jimbo played semi-pro baseball in Norwich, New London, and Westerly leagues. He was inducted into The SHS Athletic Hall of Fame in 2007.
Then, as his children always teased, the super ball player married the junior prom queen, his high school sweetheart, Pat. They are survived by their four children; Kathryn MacKenzie (Neil), Jayne Sainsbury (Tom), Peter Ballato (Linda) and William Ballato. He also leaves his grandchildren; Courtlyn MacKenzie, Danielle Sainsbury (Brett), Ryan Christine MacKenzie, Troy Sainsbury, Nicole Sainsbury, James Earl Ballato and his great-grandchildren, Autumn Nelson, Olivia Pupillo, Lila Pupillo and London Carson.
Jimbo retired from General Dynamics Eastern Data Center. He was a Senior Data Processing Analyst. The job he loved most was as Stonington Recreation Director after serving many years on the Recreation Commission.
Jimbo’s love of sports and family grew together. He coached his sons in Little League, taught and played golf with several of them, and rarely missed a field hockey, baseball, football, basketball, soccer, or softball game, gymnastics meet, cheerleading competition, or dance recital. He and Mom were our biggest fans!
As social as he was, Jimbo's wishes were to have a private burial. To honor his legacy, donations may be made to The Ballato Memorial Athletic Fund and mailed directly to Stonington High School, 176 S. Broad St., Pawcatuck, CT 06379.
Gaffney-Dolan Funeral Home, 59 Spruce St., Westerly is in charge of the arrangements. For online condolences please visit www.gaffneydolanfuneralhome.com
Jimbo was raised a devout Catholic. He graduated from St. Michael School and was a member of The Maria Assunta Society. He graduated from Stonington High School in 1952 and was class president for 3 years. Jimbo was a gifted athlete lettering in football, baseball, basketball, and track. He holds the record for the highest single season batting average at .545.Jimbo’s claim to fame was playing in a baseball game and competing in a track meet simultaneously in 1952. He played three innings of baseball and then ran the 100 yard dash coming in first place. After playing 3 more innings of baseball, Jimbo ran the 220 also coming in first. He accomplished this feat by wearing his track uniform under his baseball uniform and then earned his nickname, “Superman”. After high school, he attended Arnold College for 1 year on a baseball and track scholarship. He then joined the Army serving 2 years. Jimbo played semi-pro baseball in Norwich, New London, and Westerly leagues. He was inducted into The SHS Athletic Hall of Fame in 2007.
Then, as his children always teased, the super ball player married the junior prom queen, his high school sweetheart, Pat. They are survived by their four children; Kathryn MacKenzie (Neil), Jayne Sainsbury (Tom), Peter Ballato (Linda) and William Ballato. He also leaves his grandchildren; Courtlyn MacKenzie, Danielle Sainsbury (Brett), Ryan Christine MacKenzie, Troy Sainsbury, Nicole Sainsbury, James Earl Ballato and his great-grandchildren, Autumn Nelson, Olivia Pupillo, Lila Pupillo and London Carson.
Jimbo retired from General Dynamics Eastern Data Center. He was a Senior Data Processing Analyst. The job he loved most was as Stonington Recreation Director after serving many years on the Recreation Commission.
Jimbo’s love of sports and family grew together. He coached his sons in Little League, taught and played golf with several of them, and rarely missed a field hockey, baseball, football, basketball, soccer, or softball game, gymnastics meet, cheerleading competition, or dance recital. He and Mom were our biggest fans!
As social as he was, Jimbo's wishes were to have a private burial. To honor his legacy, donations may be made to The Ballato Memorial Athletic Fund and mailed directly to Stonington High School, 176 S. Broad St., Pawcatuck, CT 06379.
Gaffney-Dolan Funeral Home, 59 Spruce St., Westerly is in charge of the arrangements. For online condolences please visit www.gaffneydolanfuneralhome.com
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