James Ball graduated from Downey High School in 1952. He attended UCLA, graduating with a BS in Physical Education in 1957. He then served his country in the United States Air Force in the field of Operations and Intelligence from 1957–1979 and was a track coach and instructor at the United States Air Force Academy from 1964–1967.
He retired from the USAF as a Lieutenant Colonel. Ball’s athletic record is as equally impressive as his academic accomplishments. He was an alternate for the 1960 US Olympic Track Team in the 110 Meter high hurdles, a member of the UCLA NCAA Championship Track Team, had the fastest time in the world high hurdles, holds a black belt in Judo and Aikido, All American in Volleyball 1983–1985 and in 1994–1995, advisor and track coach for high altitude training for the Philippine Track and Field team for the 1968 Olympic team, and was only the second American to be named Adopted Son by the Baguio City, Philippine City Council.
Jim Ball has also held numerous posts on many community organizations including the August Rotary Club, Kiwanis, Olympic Torch Relay Task Force, Greater Augusta Sports Council, Augusta Volleyball Association, and currently chairs the Evans High School Career/Tech Ed Advisory Board.