August 2023
James “Jim” Ballentine, L8780, loved motorhome travel and spent much of his life feeding the wanderlust that ignited the passion he and his wife, Reba, had for RVing.
Jim passed away on May 14, 2023, at a hospice facility in Ormond Beach, Florida, while surrounded by family. Jim and Reba celebrated 68 years of marriage not long before his passing.
Jim and his wife, Reba, traveled to Elkhart, Indiana, in October 2017 to take part in FMCA’s Presidential Honor Dinner at the RV/MH Hall of Fame and Museum. This gathering honored the past presidents of FMCA up to that date.
The Ballentines joined FMCA in 1972. Jim served the association in various capacities for many years, culminating in his time as FMCA national president from 1993 to 1995. As president, he upheld professional standards while conducting FMCA business, which included maintaining the association’s growth and financial strength. He also oversaw a major computer upgrade project during his time in office. On July 4, 1994, he participated in the unveil-ing of a black granite FMCA monument at the Good Will-Hinckley School in Hinckley, Maine, that still stands today and honors FMCA’s founding there on July 20, 1963.
Prior to serving as president, Jim held the office of national senior vice president from 1991 to 1993 and national vice president, Eastern Area, from 1988 to 1991. Jim also served on the following committees during his tenure: President’s Council from 1986 to 1988, Membership/Member Services Committee from 1988 to 1991, Convention Committee from 1990 to 1993, and Management Committee from 1991 to 1995.
Jim was born on June 17, 1933, in Newark, New Jersey, and joined the New Jersey National Guard upon graduating from high school. He went on to serve in the United States Army. He met Reba while stationed at Fort Hood in Texas.
After working in the plumbing, heating, and air-conditioning industry for 10 years, he opened his own wholesale HVAC business in Toms River, New Jersey. His success led him to expand the business to three stores and allowed him to retire at age 54.
Jim was an avid fisherman and built his first ocean-worthy boat, which he christened Reba in honor of his wife. He and Reba started RVing in the 1970s. At first, they took weekend trips, and then after retirement they spent months on the road, traveling to every state except Hawaii. He sold his last motorhome when he was 85 years old.
They were snowbirds for 30 years, spending summers in the house he built on the Chester River in Maryland and winters in Naples and then Port Orange, Florida, until they relocated full-time to South Daytona, Florida, five years ago.
When Jim wasn’t traveling, he made stained-glass creations, from sun catchers to windows, and he took great pleasure in gifting pieces to friends and family.
In addition to Reba, Jim is survived by his daughter, Deb; son, Jim, and daughter-in-law, Linda; and granddaughter, Crystal.
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