Springfield, IL – James “Jim” Donald Ballinger, 87 of Atwater, IL, passed away on Tuesday afternoon, November 3, 2026, at St. John’s Hospital in Springfield, IL.
Jim was born August 31, 1939, in Atwater, IL, a son of George Ballinger and Lucille (Klaus) Ballinger. He graduated from Carlinville High School with the class of 1957. He married Phyllis Boedecker on September 21, 1963, in Litchfield, IL. She preceded him in death on November 27, 2007.
Jim spent 23 years at Allis Chalmers and Fiat-Allis. He then spent 16 and a half years with Macoupin County Animal Control. He drove, trained and owned race horses for 70 years – owning in recent years Illinois champion and Hall of Fame inductee Fox Valley Gemini. He was vice president of Midwestern Horse Association. He was also a member of the U.S. Trotting Association and the Illinois Harness Horseman’s Association.
He was a well know antique dealer for 50 years and was in both Lighthouse and Tammies Treasures Shops. He belonged to the Midwest Tool Collectors Association for 50 years and he put on a tool show once a year for 20 years. He also belonged to MUSRIA tool collectors association for 30 years and to the Corn Collectable association for 20 years.
He belonged to Carlinville Elks Lodge #1412 for 48 years and Carlinville Loyal Order of Moose for 40 years. He was also a member of the American Legion for 30 years and served multiple terms as a township trustee.
He drove the starting gate at the Midwest Fairs for 25 years and was also the President of Bethel Ridge Cemetery.
Jim was preceded in death by his parents, wife, sister, Nancy Neunaber, and daughter-in-law Kathy Nolan.
Visitation will be held on Sunday, November 8, 2026, from 4:00 to 7:00 pm at the Carlinville United Methodist Church, 201 South Broad St. Carlinville, IL 62626.
Funeral Services will be conducted at 9:30 am, Monday, November 9, 2026 at Carlinville United Methodist Church with Rev. Braden Parks, officiating.
Burial will follow in Bethel Ridge Cemetery, Atwater, IL.
Jim is survived by his daughter, Brenda (Brad) Qualls of Palmyra, IL, son, Brett Ballinger of Eldred, IL, son, Lance (Leisha) Ballinger of Carlinville, IL, five grandchildren, Tony Ulloa, Kayla (Derek) Haggard, Kara Kromer, Jordan (Blake) Leefers, and Silas Qualls, five great grandchildren, Huxlee, Rayelynn, Airee, Lena, and Emmett, brother, Bob Ballinger, sister, Linda (Joe) Lewis, brother-in-law, Tom Neunaber, brother and sister-in-law, Maynard (Pixie) Boedecker, sister-in-law, Connie Niehaus, several nieces, nephews and cousins.
Memorials may be made to Rural Methodist Church.
Davis-Anderson Funeral Home, Carlinville is in charge of arrangements.
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