James Terry Balch

"In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you." It was in the summer on June 16, 1949, in Washington, D.C., that Tyree and Isabella Marilyn Lawson Balch welcomed to their family a handsome baby boy. They named him James Terry. He was affectionalty called “Terry.” Terry was raised in a Christian environment. He graduated from both high school and college in Washington. His family later moved to Texas and the lastly Arkadelphia. He served his country by enlisting the United States Army on December 26, 1968, at Fort Belvoir, Virginia. While serving in the Army he received several honors, medals and commendations including: National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, and the Vietnam Campaign Medal. His education and training completed included: ATP 21-114, Code of Conduct, Military Justice, CBR Training and Geneva Convention. He married Willie Ann Middleton and to this union four children were born. On June 12, 1985, he married the apple of his eye, Alice Juniel and to this union four children were born. He attended Tate Temple COGIC with his wife Alice whenever his health would allow him to attend. Terry was a very talented in the area of auto mechanics. He had a giving spirit and never, ever met a stranger. His favorite pastime was playing dominoes, playing the guitar and working on cars. Above all of his honors, medals and areas of expertise he was a great father. He did what he could, when he could to share the love among his family. With his family at his side on Tuesday, May 3, 2011, Terry answered the call that no man can refuse and now rests in the arms of Jesus. He was preceded in death by his parents, his first wife Willie Ann Middleton, who made her transition on April 10, 1994 and four children, Nicole McCauley, Shalonda Balch, Leonard Balch and RaShonda Balch. He leaves a legacy of love and his memories will be cherished by his devoted wife, Alice Faye Juniel Balch of Arkadelphia, AR; 20 children, Kathy Balch, Anthony Balch, Ethan Balch, Michael Balch, James Balch, Laura (Pierre) Hunter, Teresa (Gerald) Campbell, and Jacobbi Balch all of Arkadelphia, AR, Timothy Balch of Jacksonville, AR, Torrey-James Balch, Elgin Balch, both of Hampton, AR, Tara (Henry) Smith of Camden, Debra (Herman) Monroe of Dallas, TX, Tonya (John) Jordan of Virginia Beach, VA, Eric Traylor, Keith Traylor both of Malvern, AR, Faytisha Balch of Little Rock, AR, Thruman (Theresa) Flowers of Oklahoma City, OK, Dale (Tamesha) Balch, Dion Balch both of Lansing, MI; his mother-in-law, Mrs. Evelyn Juniel of Arkadelphia, AR, his special sister, Elvalyne Scott of Arkadelphia, 43 grandchildren, 5 great-grandchildren and a host of cousins and numerous friends. Mr. Balch will lie in repose at the funeral home on Friday, May 6th from 2:00 – 7:00 p.m. The family will receive friends and share with them the Images of Life DVD from 6-7 p.m. The last farewell and tributes to his life will be shared on Saturday, May 7th at 12:00 noon at Gennesaret Baptist Church where Rev. Frederick Smith is the pastor. Elder Robert Davis the pastor of Holy Deliverance COGIC in Warren, Arkansas will deliver the message. The committal service and final resting place will be in Springhill Cemetery.