Graveside Services for James Laverne Balding, 87, of Fairview will be at 2:00 p.m., Friday, January 15, 2010 at Liberty Cemetery, 4 miles south and ½ miles east of Bouse Junction, Oklahoma. The Reverend Sam Peck will officiate. Arrangements are by Fairview Funeral Home, Inc.

Friends may sign the register book from 9:00 to 5:00 p.m. Thursday and from 9:00 and 12:00 on Friday at Fairview Funeral Home, Inc.

James Laverne Balding was born May 11, 1922 in Waynoka, Oklahoma to Jess F. and Edna (Walker) Balding and passed away January 12, 2010 at his home in Fairview, Oklahoma.

Jim grew up on farms in Woods and Major County. He completed school through the eighth grade. In December of 1942, he enlisted into the United States Army and worked as a truck-driver and sharp shooter. Jim saw action in the European Theatre during WWII. On December 3, 1945, he received an Honorable Discharge and returned home. He moved to Wichita, Kansas and started his career in the Aerospace Industry at Beech and then Boeing Aircraft. Jim married Edna Marie Dreiling on September 26, 1952 in Wichita. Boeing transferred him to Napa, California and then Castle Air Force Base in California where he worked on the B52. In 1963, he was transferred to Slidell, Louisiana where he worked on the Apollo Space Program building rockets. He was there until late 1966, when he was transferred to Cape Kennedy to continue on the Apollo Program, working on rocket, hydraulic and fuels. In 1975, Boeing brought Jim home to Wichita, working on aircraft until he retired in 1979. At that time, Jim returned to Florida and worked for United Space Boosters, Inc. on the Space Shuttle Program. He continued working there until 1989 when he retired, again. Jim moved to Fairview, Oklahoma to be close to his brother and enjoy some good fishing. He loved to mow his yard and others and was so proud of his new zero-turn mower. He was a hard working man that was loved and will be missed.

Jim is survived by two sons, James E. Terrill of Fairview, and Don J. Abel of Titusville, Florida; three daughters, Sharon Webb of Fairview, Rebecca Balding of Fairview and Karen Barnett of Aline, Oklahoma; nine grandchildren, Robin, Jeff, Pat, John, Tiffany, Donald Jr., Shannon, Trey and Taryn; and 13 great-grandchildren.

His parents; two brothers; one sister; one son Dennis James and his stepmother preceded Jim in death.

The family has requested no flowers; instead, memorial contributions may be made to Hospice Circle of Love.

Condolences may be made on line at www.fairviewfuneralhomeinc.com.