James K. Ballard

James K. Ballard, a WSU Extension agent for Yakima County from 1962-81 and former contributor to Good Fruit Grower, died on Oct 18.

He was well known for his expertise in orchard management and apple production. Prior to his work in Yakima, he served as agent for Chelan and Douglas counties from 1952-62.

Ballard was born in Custer, South Dakota, in 1920. In the early 1980s, he served as consultant for Carlton Nurseries and formed the Pacific Northwest Fruit Testers Association.

He enjoyed grafting new varieties at his orchard at his Selah home. He traveled the world for speaking engagements and orchard tours.

He received awards such as the Washington State Horticulture Silver Apple Award in 1990 and the Cherry Institute’s Cherry King Award in 1996.