James Edward Ball, Sr., son of Sarah Ball and the late Astor Ball, was born on January 7, 1972 In Baltimore, Maryland. His life was taken away from us on February 20, 2010; where the Baltimore Police is declaring James a HERO. James was baptized at Browns Memorial Baptist Church at an early age under the leadership of Rev. Douglas Miles. He received his education fro Carver Vocational Technical High School. James also attended Catonsville Community College, Long and Foster Real Estate School and RETS Technical College for Electrical. Until his untimely death, James was recently employed at Northrop Grumman Corp. and Wackenhut Security. Over the years, James also worked at the US Postal Service, Sprint/Nextel as an Engineer for 8 years, TTC as a Technical Engineeer, and the Baltimore Red Cross. James had a passion for comedy and making people laugh. This allowed him to start a company called Comedian Concerts. James promoted comedians and brought comedy to Baltimore. He was the first to bring live comedy to a theater in Maryland. He called it "Comedy at the Movies". The last show he brought to Baltimore was the "Going For Broke" comedy show at the Lyric Theater and teaming up with Toys For Tots for their annual Christmas toy drive. James was the founder of brothers On The rise, a licensed liabilty company that utilized the various talents of all its members to form a series of durable businesses that would deliver quality products and services to all kinds. James leaves to cherish and sustain his memories two sons James, Jr., and Justin; the mother of his children, Tai Bradley; mother Sarah Ball; brother, Austin Ball, Sr.; three sisters, Rochelle Aldridge, Jacqueline Ball Edward Garey and Annette Ross; two uncles, Austin Ball and Arthur Kenner; three nephews, three nieces, one great nephew and a host of cousins, other relatives and friends.