The JOHNNY BALL MEMORIAL page
NEWSPAPER CLIPPING (Joplin Globe Online,Sun. Nov. 16,1997)
John K. "Johnny" Ball, 25, 1810 W. 21st St., died at 9:11 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 15, 1997, at Freeman Hospital West from injuries received in a pedestrian-vehicle accident at 12:03 a.m. Saturday at
3434 S. Range Line Road. Mr. Ball was born Oct. 9, 1972, at West Allis, Wis. He lived in Joplin most of his life. He had been a cook at Benito's Restaurant in Joplin for two years. He was a member of Harmony Heights Baptist Church.
Survivors include his father, John R. Ball, Joplin; his mother, Shirley Ball, of the home; and four sisters, Karri Derrick, Kristi Ball, Kelli Ball and Kassi Ball, all of Joplin.
Arrangements are pending with Parker Mortuary.
Johnny Ball was a madman and local punk rock hero in Joplin. Sure, he drank a lot, many times too much, but he was a good guy with a good heart. He never tried to mess with people and was just trying to get along like everyone else. I was friends with Johnny and we tried to start a band with a horrible $75 drumset he got for me. We never did do much though.
I got mad at Johnny for a short time over a girl ( I know...lame, right ). Our friendship ended and I moved away to Wilmington, NC. When I moved back, I saw Johnny again in 1997 and he seemed kinda out of it and there were some bad rumors about him doing a bunch of bad drugs. I made my piece with him, and I was glad to have a chance to do that. It was good to see you that one last time, Johnny.
He was in a band, and I will try and get one of his demos or jam tapes, so I can post them on the site.
The sad thing about his death was that he was at Denny's and needed a ride home. No one would give Johnny a ride. So, a bit drunk, Johnny crossed 5 lanes of traffic on Range Line near the interstate at night time. I wouldn't try that feat sober in the day. He was struck down by a car and passed at the hospital. I think the whole thing's lame. If his friends weren't assholes, he would still be here.
I'm sorry I wasn't there, bro...
Rest in peace, Johnny Ball
jsinn@sofnet.com
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