James "Jim" A. Ballweg, G.I., age 55, died on Wednesday, February 4, 2015 at his home. He was born on November 1, 1959 in Columbus to Leonard and Catherine (Vander Sanden) Ballweg. Jim graduated in 1977 from the Columbus High School. He then went to work at the Columbus Water and Light Department. After many years coworkers turned into friends and some even felt like family. Jim just recently retired in 2014 after 35 years. Jim was blessed with two children Heather and Ashton after his first marriage to Ruth Ehlers and blessed again with two more children Ellie and Anton after his second marriage to Julie Mobry. He was a member St. Jerome Church and the Knights of Columbus. Jim loved the outdoors and all things you can do outside. Some of his favorites were hunting, fishing, kayaking and camping. Jim played softball and bowled for many years. He coached the Columbus High School baseball team and had a special gift for helping players believe in themselves. G.I. had a heart of gold and truly enjoyed helping others. This lead him into helping create one of his favorite causes, the Brian "Beaner" Errthum Memorial Tournament. Grandpa Jim was very proud of his grandchildren and loved spending time playing with them. His survivors include his two daughters, Heather Ballweg (Chad Purvis) of Fall River and Ellie Ballweg of Columbus; two sons, Ashton of Harmony Grove and Anton of Columbus; four grandchildren, Ella, Calan and Isabel Purvis and Sebastian Busse; his mother, Catherine of Columbus; two brothers, Larry (Therese) of Onalaska and Joe (Kathleen) of Randolph; two sisters, Diane Ballweg of Columbus and Carol Ballweg of Hillsboro; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his father in 2000. A Mass was held at 11:00 A.M. on Tuesday, February 10, 2015 at ST. JEROME CATHOLIC CHURCH, Columbus. Rev. Ronald Rank officiated. Inurnment will be in St. Jerome Cemetery, Columbus. Visitation was from 5:00 P.M. until 8:00 P.M. on Monday at the Jensen funeral home and from 10:00 A.M. until 11:00 A.M. at the church on Tuesday. Memorials may be directed to the Columbus High School Athletic Boosters. In lieu of sending flowers please make a donation.