James Balph, 1929 – 2022

James Balph died peacefully on Sunday, January 30, 2022 at age 92. He and his wife of almost 70 years, Judith, have lived in Vero Beach since 1987, coming from Chappaqua, NY.

Jim was born August 2, 1929, in Pittsburgh, PA to James Balph, Jr., a physician, and Helen (Wettach) Balph. His sister, Mary Chavern, predeceased him. He attended Northwestern University, graduating in 1951. There he met his future wife, Judy, and they married in 1952.

Jim served in the US Coast Guard during the Korean War, after which he went on to a long and successful business career in Employee Relations. He got his start at J&L Steel in Pittsburgh and earned an MBA from University of Pittsburgh. Jim then joined the Glidden Corporation in Cleveland, Ohio. During this time, he earned a JD from Cleveland Marshall College of Law, graduating magna cum laude. He rose to the position of Vice President of Employee Relations/Operations at SCM Corporation in New York City.

Jim loved sports and games – he played paddle tennis in NY and golf in both NY and Vero Beach. He served as President of Bent Pine Golf Club and was also a member of Quail Valley. He had wide and varied interests throughout the years, enjoying politics, stamp collecting, genealogical studies and bridge. He was a jazz and big band music enthusiast, collected 78RPM records and enjoyed local performances as a member of the Treasure Coast Jazz Society. A lifelong Pittsburgh Steelers fan, he avidly watched their fortunes ebb and flow through the years, rarely missing a game.

A man known for his devotion to his family and many, many friends, he is survived by his wife, Judy, and children: Gail Gordon (Bob), Ted Balph, Barbara Jones (Greg) and granddaughter Hannah.

Please contact Jim’s family for service details.

Jim’s family wishes to thank everyone at Beach Haven, Willowbrooke Court, and VNA Hospice. The family requests any donations be made to VNA Hospice, 1110 35th Lane, Vero Beach, FL 32960 or the Community Church of Vero Beach, 1901 23rd Avenue.