John Charles “J.C.” Ball, 66, passed away Thursday, Nov. 29, 2012.

He was born May 17, 1946, to George A. and Gwendolyn M. Ball in New York, N.Y.

John spent much of his young life in New York, Washington, D.C., Maryland and New Jersey. After his father passed away, his mother and brothers moved back to Marquette, Mich., where his mother was raised. This is where John met his future wife, Cathy. They were married in 1969. They had a son, Jason. “J.C.,” as his family called him, attended Northern Michigan University in Marquette, and received a BA in industrial education. J.C. tired of shoveling snow and moved to Port Charlotte in 1974. He spent 31 years educating students in Charlotte County, Fla. John retired in 2005. J.C. was a gentle, curious, witty and kind man. He enjoyed the beauty around him. John adapted well to his life in Florida, enjoying golfing, boating and fishing. However there was always something special about Marquette, and he returned often.

John is survived by his wife of 43 years, Cathy; son, Jason (Allison) Ball of Seffner, Fla.; brother, George (Joy) Ball of Hampstead, N.C.; sister, Jackie Riley of Port Townsend, Wash.; mother-in-law, Ruth Kellner of Marquette; brother-in-law, Loren Ameen; sister-in-law, Julie (Leonard) Parker of Marquette; brother-in-law, Mike (Elissa) Kellner of Mack’s Inn, Ind.; aunt, Katherine (Ball) Engels of Tuson, Ariz.; and many cousins, nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, George and Gwendolyn (nee Johnson) Ball; brothers, Edward and James; sister-in-law, Bobbi Ameen; and father-in-law, Vernon Kellner.

The family would like to thank Hospice for making it possible for John to be at home for the last 10 months. They would also like to thank all the wonderful friends and family that have shown him such love over the years.

There will be an open house in celebration of J.C.’s life from 1 p.m. until 5 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 8, 2012, at Cathy and J.C.’s home, 281 Severin Road, Port Charlotte, FL 33952. This summer, when the snow and ice of Marquette turn to flowers and sunshine, J.C. will make his final trip to Marquette. A graveside service will be held at the Park Cemetery in Marquette. The Rev. Charles Kendall, a relative of the family, will officiate.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that a contribution be made to your favorite charity.

Arrangements are by Kays-Ponger & Uselton Funeral Homes.