Obituary of James J. Ball

BALL—James "Groove" J. Ball, Sr., 57 of Woodbury Heights, NJ passed away on February 10, 2008 surrounded by his loving family. A generous and friendly man, Groove was type of guy who would encourage everyone to achieve their goals. Born in Philadelphia, Groove was raised in West Deptford and for the last 20 years called Woodbury Heights home. He proudly served as a US Army Veteran of the Vietnam War with the 101st Airborne Division and traveled the world as a Merchant Marine. Many will remember Groove as an outgoing bartender at Cap'n Cat's Clam Bar in Verga prior to his retirement a few years ago. He was a member of the American Legion Posts #100, Colonial Manor and #7125, Verga and the F& AM Florence Lodge #87, Woodbury. Spending time with his family was very important to Groove, especially with his grandchildren. His "lunchtime" crowd at the Hollywood Café and racing his horses at the track were other things that brought joy to him. He is the beloved husband of Deborah nee McMullen, devoted father of James, J. Jr. and step father of Melissa Young Chris, Colleen Kupsey Stan, Eric Lightcap Carol and Jessica Morrone David, dear brother of William J. Floss, Thomas J. Deb and Michael F. Beth; loving grandfather of Liam & Maggie Young, Tori, Jared & Colin Kupsey, Ryan, Brandon and Alivia Lightcap and Caley, Tyler and Marion Morrone; dear son-in-law of Raymond & Margaret McMullen, brother-in-law to Margaret McMullen, Regina Burow William and Colleen Tighe John, dear son of the late William and Helena Ball, uncle to several nieces and nephews. Relatives and friends are invited to celebrate 57 years: visitation 9-10:45 AM and Lifetime Tribute Services 11 AM Friday in the McGuinness Funeral Home, 34 Hunter St., Woodbury. Interment of urn and military honors Tues. 11 AM at the Gloucester County Veteran's Memorial Cemetery, Williamstown. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to: St. Jude's Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place Memphis, TN 38105 or to Samaritan Hospice, 5 Eves Dr., Suite 300, Marlton, NJ 08053. Tributes and memories may be shared by clicking the "sign guestbook" icon. McGuinness Funeral Home "The Lifetime Tribute Funeral Home"®