Elegy For Jody Ballew

In Our Words

Jody was a storyteller. So much so, that he inspired those around him to tell stories, too. This is a place for our stories about Jody, in our own words. Some are funny, some are tender, some are hard, but they all will help us to carry him with us as we make more without him.

Click through any panel below to read what others have written. Then, we invite you to share your own stories, in your own words. If you’ve got a memory that rises to the surface – a conversation, a joke, a moment that stuck with you – share it here. No story is too small, or too incomplete, to add to the whole.

Share Stories & Rememberances
The Spytastic Adventures of Jody and Joe

The Spytastic Adventures of Jody and Joe

Posted by: Joe, College classmates, couch crashing roommates
A lot of my memories of Jody involve missions both great and disastrous. Jody and I roaming the North Georgia countryside, before the days of everything-is-on-Amazon, trying to locate a video card for his Hewlett Packard (FAILURE, found a card, card didn't fit). The quest to bum enough money to wa... Read More
In living memory of Jody

In living memory of Jody

Posted by: Kelsie, Cousin
Joseph Aaron Ballew was more than just a cousin; he was a cherished part of my life. I treasured every moment we spent together, and I know he looked up to me, which filled me with gratitude and love. His presence brought joy and warmth, and I feel blessed to have shared so many memories with him. T... Read More
Karaniya Metta Sutta: The Buddha’s Words on Loving-kindness

Karaniya Metta Sutta: The Buddha’s Words on Loving-kindness

Posted by: Juju, We met in law school.
(As read at Jody's memorial service on 9/19/25): This is what should be done By one who is skilled in goodness, And who knows the path of peace: Let them be able and upright, Straightforward and gentle in speech, Humble and not conceited, Contented and easily satisfied, Unburdened with duties and fr... Read More
On Being a Carrot in God’s Garden: Poem by Barbara McAfee

On Being a Carrot in God’s Garden: Poem by Barbara McAfee

Posted by: Anonymous
(Shared at Jody's Memorial on 9/19/25) You can be sure the hand will pull you from the ground. You can be sure. No matter how longingly the earth presses against you, no matter how sweet the mineral sips at the tips of your roots. No matter how comfortable your solemn unchanging days, when you are r... Read More
Friendship, humor, and art

Friendship, humor, and art

Posted by: Cassandra C, College classmate, former roommate, friend
It was almost impossible not to love Jody in college. They were quick to be friendly, snarky to a fault, and always funny. After college, we drifted in and out of each other's orbit many times. One time, they gave me a guitar from another friend who had recently passed away. Just out of the blue. Th... Read More
A more unique soul there never was.

A more unique soul there never was.

Posted by: Chris, Best Friend and Brother
I have known Jody and been best friends with him for about 35 years. The amount of stories and words I have for and about him cannot possibly fit into this. We had sacred bonds and he was more family to me than a lot of blood relations. He was The godfather to my son, who he loved deeply as if it we... Read More
My son from another mother

My son from another mother

Posted by: Nadine, Classmate of my son
Jody you always brought me joy.  You hung out at my house during your high school years and just fit right in our family.  I have many funny stories but I will tell one that was funny but embarrassing to me.   I always kept snacks in one large cabinet so the guys would have a choice of junk food. On... Read More
Yael

Yael

Posted by: Marissa, Formerly The Third Wheel In This Equation
Jody loved Yael so much, she was his constant companion. I never worried about him too much in his wanderings as long as he had Yael. You can see it in the way she’s always ready to go, always wanting to be out in the world. She’s with me now, settling in. She still loves to “merge” (her insisten... Read More
a Jody Ballew playlist

a Jody Ballew playlist

Posted by: D'nelle Dowis, friend
Jody was exceptionally fond of sharing music back and forth. His preferred medium was YouTube, while mine was Spotify. I've collected all of the songs that I could find that we shared back and forth into a Spotify playlist and would happily add any that y'all think would fit - head on over to the co... Read More
Christmas 2019

Christmas 2019

Posted by: D'nelle Dowis, friend
Before Covid hit, my husband and I were out on a Christmas tour with LeAnn Rimes. We had a show at the Smoky Mountain Center for the Performing Arts in Franklin, NC, and Jody popped up to visit us. He showed up in overalls before soundcheck, grabbed a santa hat, and helped me set up the merch booth.... Read More
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