Retired Douglas County Firefighter Dies; Memorial Details Released

DOUGLASVILLE, GA — Retire Douglas County firefighter James Arthur "Jimmy" Ball has died, Douglas County fire officials said Friday in a news release.

Ball died on Jan. 12. He retired in 2012 from the Douglas County Fire and Emergency Medical Services Department. He was with the department for 37 years, according to the release.

His cause of death and age are unknown.

“Jimmy was assigned to Squad 10 for as long as many of the veteran Douglas County firefighters can remember, and even before that, as well,” Douglas County Fire Chief Roderick B. Jolivette said in the release.

“Jimmy was a known statewide Georgia Emergency Management Agency instructor and there are untold numbers of firefighters that benefitted from his knowledge and expertise during his tenure.”

Station 10 Capt. Travis Major met Ball when he 18-years-old. Major called Ball a mentor and said he learned a lot from him, according to the release.

“His expertise allowed him to be one of the best extrication experts, who could take apart a vehicle with his hands quicker than someone who could take apart with equipment," Ball said. "Jimmy was special.”

After his retirement, Ball was presented with a plaque from the county for his years of service, fire officials said. His daughter, Leslie Giannon, now has the plaque, fire officials said.

According to the fire department, the plaque reads: “The difference between success and failure is often determined by one’s dedication. Your undying commitment to the Douglas County Fire Department and the Citizens of Douglas County has earned you our highest esteem.”

A celebration of life for Ball will be held from 2-4 p.m. Saturday at the Villa Rica Church of Christ, 515 Dallas Highway, in Villa Rica.