Obituary of James F. Ball

James F. Ball ("Jim") 

Beloved Brother, Partner, Uncle, Friend, and Host Extraordinaire 

1963 - 2025 

James F. Ball, affectionately known as Jim, passed away in New Jersey at the age of 61. Born in Kearny, NJ, Jim lived a life full of charisma, laughter, and irrepressible joy-a spirit that left its mark on everyone who had the honor of knowing him. 

 

The middle son of six siblings, Jim's early life was shaped by both love and loss. His mother passed away when he was just eight years old, followed by his father one year later. In the face of heartbreak, Jim's oldest sister, Betty Ann, and oldest brother, Bob, stepped into the role of caretakers, raising the family in their beloved home on Highland Avenue in Kearny, NJ. That house became the setting for countless cherished memories-moments of chaos, laughter, and love that are still passed down through generations. 

 

Jim began his professional journey at ADP, where his talent for creativity and connection quickly set him apart. He rose from part-time telemarketer to Vice President of Marketing in under ten years-a rare and remarkable leap that left his colleagues equal parts impressed and baffled. He managed multimillion-dollar budgets for global sales incentive programs from Hawaii to Switzerland, even chartering the M/S Fantasy cruise ship for an unforgettable extravaganza-yes, Jim rented an entire cruise ship! It was at ADP that Jim learned how to put on a show-an art he would later perfect in entirely his own style. 

 

In 2003, Jim brought that magic to Washington, DC, where he and partner Christopher opened L'Enfant Café. Together, Jim and Christopher turned it into a hub of laughter, music, and connection. From the infamous Bastille Day Celebrations, where Jim reigned as Louis XVI, to the risqué and decadent brunch known as La Boum, Jim's gift for spectacle created a joyful refuge in the heart of the city. 

 

But it wasn't just the big events that defined him-it was the everyday moments. A towel could become a Cher wig, tossed with flair as Jim launched into "If I could turn back time." A piano became a prop for his heartfelt (and hilarious) Louis Armstrong rendition of "What a Wonderful World." And of course, the bar at L'Enfant? Jim designed it himself-making sure it was wide enough for him to dance on with tambourine in hand, leading the room in celebration. 

 

Jim was a dreamer, a doer, a host, and a spark. He saw potential and inspiration in the smallest things and turned them into something unforgettable. Part ringmaster, part pied piper, part mad scientist, he didn't just invite you to the party-he made you part of it. To know him was to be swept up by his spirit-and to willingly go along for the wild, wonderful ride.

 

Jim shared his life with many people who loved him deeply. At the heart of that circle was his partner, Aoussam, whose steadfast care and devotion carried them through their years together-especially when Jim needed him most. He also shared his heart with his beloved dog, Roxy, who was never far from his side. 

 

His siblings Bob, Betty Ann, Mary Ellen ("Mellon"), Sandy, and Gary, along with Bob's wife Janet, Betty Ann's husband Greg, and Gary's wife Rebecca, were a lifelong source of strength, humor, and family stories. He was a proud and loving uncle to Jessica, Robert, Nicole, Gabrielle, Kimberly, Elizabeth, Anna, Jamie, and Meghan, as well as a joyful great-uncle to Evan, Ava, Emmett, Andersyn, Kyleigh and Elliana.

 

Jim also carried with him the love and memory of his parents, Robert and Elizabeth, who shaped the beginning of his story and whose presence stayed with him throughout his life.

 

Jim leaves behind a legacy of joy, laughter, and the kind of memories that grow more legendary with every telling-with full permission to embellish. As Jim used to say, "Don't let the truth get in the way of a good story." A celebration in Washington, DC will be announced at a later date. In true Jim fashion, it will be one hell of a party-dancing encouraged, questionable costumes welcome.

 

"I am ready to meet my Maker. Whether my Maker is prepared for the ordeal of meeting me is another matter." 

- Winston Churchill