In Memory of Ballard J. Smith, Jr.

Ballard J. “Bop” Smith, Jr., age 70, of Ida Grove, Iowa, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on Monday, September 16, 2024.

A Celebration of Life Visitation will be held from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., Saturday, September 28, 2024, at the Ida County Conservation Center located at 299 Jasper Ave., Ida Grove, Iowa.  

The Christensen-Van Houten Funeral Home of Ida Grove, Iowa, is in charge of the funeral arrangements. Condolences may be sent online at www.christensenvanhouten.com

Ballard James “Bop” Smith, Jr. was born on April 27, 1954, in Winamac, Indiana, to Frankie E. (Tolson) and Ballard J. Smith, Sr. He grew up in North Judson, Indiana and received his education from North Judson-San Pierre High School graduating with the class of 1972. 

After high school, Bop entered the construction industry. In 1977 he moved to Iowa to build Pizza Huts. While working in Vinton, Iowa, he met the love of his life, Judy Hummel. The couple was married on March 4, 1978, at the Little Brown Church in Nashua, Iowa. In 1983 the family settled in the Ida Grove area and made it their forever home. Besides being involved in the construction business, Bop worked at Midwest Industries for close to 10 years. He then started Smith Rentals by purchasing and renovating properties in the area. In his later years he enjoyed buying and selling antiques and collectables.  

Fishing was a passion of Bop’s. He loved to fish whenever he had the chance and especially enjoyed going with his family. Bop also enjoyed playing the guitar, singing, and wheeling and dealing for items. Family time was treasured by Bop. They loved a competitive game of cards whether it was Poker or Canasta. He will be dearly missed by those who knew and loved him. 

Left to cherish his memory include his wife Judy Smith of Ida Grove, IA; children Nikki Dausel of Ida Grove, IA, Ballard (Sharon) Smith, III of Ida Grove, IA and Cody (Melissa) Smith of Garrison, IA; stepson Jason (Michelle) Johnson of Lafayette, LA; honorary children Tina Smothers of Waukee, IA, Lisa Ackerman of Spirit Lake, IA and Jared “Boo” Petersen of Holstein, IA; 14 grandchildren: Cooper, Bodi, Kale, Kasia, Jasmine, Zariah, Quincy, Ballard IV, Donovin, Brian, Carter, Brady, Emily, and Alec; honorary grandchild Phineas Robinson; stepmother Paula Smith of Arthur, IA; brother Brandon Smith of Arthur, IA; sisters Susan (Monroe) Page of Big Rock, TN and Kim (Joe) Menke of Battle Creek, IA; brother-in-law Ken Simpson of Sac City, IA; more than a best friend Calvin Watson of North Judson, IN; extended family and friends. 

He was preceded in death by his father Ballard Smith, Sr.; mother Frankie Smith; infant sister Charlene Smith; and sister Valerie “KK” Simpson.