John Campbell Ballantyne

John Campbell Ballantyne, selflessly devoted husband, attentive father, faithful friend, and fun-loving Bubba passed away Monday, April 11, 2022, at his home in Ringgold, GA, in the presence of family.

John was born in 1934 in Erie, PA.  His parents, John Collins Ballantyne, and Aileen Campbell raised John and his younger sister, Janet, in Port Washington, Long Island and Dayton, Ohio. A love of God, family, literature, poetry, music, and adventure were anchors in his early family life. One of John’s favorite childhood memories was spending multiple summers on his aunt and uncle’s farm in upstate New York where he cared for their animals, tended to their gardens and explored the countryside each day.

In addition to his love of the arts and the outdoors, John pursued a passion for math, chemistry and business with a B.S. from Wooster University and a Master’s degree from Xavier University. After college, he joined the United States Marine Corps, steadily moving through the ranks to become a Major, and serving in the military active duty and reserves for 17 years.

Following his time in the military, John followed his father’s footsteps in Human Relations for General Motors and worked in negotiating and resolving Labor Union strikes in Pittsburgh, PA. It was challenging work, and he found an outlet on the tennis courts, the Steelers’ sidelines, and the ski slopes around Pittsburgh.

It was on the slopes of the Alps in Kitzbuhel, Austria with the Pittsburgh Ski Club that he met the love of his life and beloved wife of 48 years, Daryl Ann. 

John and Daryl were married three years later in Pittsburgh, Daryl’s hometown, and welcomed their first daughter, Kathleen, the following year. Three years later, they welcomed Kelly. John transferred to a General Motors plant in Connecticut shortly thereafter and began building his family legacy in beautiful New England. Three years later, God blessed John and Daryl with twin boys, John and Mark. John retired after working 35 years at GM. He went on to work another 10 years at Fenn Manufacturing in CT as Human Relations Manager, before finally retiring (for real) at the age 71.

John was a Renaissance man, an avid reader, with many hobbies and interests. John loved the simple pleasures of life including tending to his gardens, painting, carpentry, playing his guitar and harmonica, playing chess, photography, genealogy, literature, poetry and writing. Above all, John was a Christian.

His family remembers him most as the Godly patriarch of the Ballantyne family: a devoted husband, father, uncle, and Bubba (grandfather). He touched the lives of those who knew him: a man of unwavering integrity, virtue, and humility, who always focused on the needs of others above himself. As Bubba, he was constantly on the move - driving the eastern seaboard from CT to FL to develop a unique bond with each of his 14 grandchildren.

Those wishing to make a charitable donation in John’s memory may do so at one of his favorite charities: Southwest Reservation Aid at 16415 Addison Rd. Suite 200 Addison, TX 75001. www.swraprogram.org.

The family will receive friends from 10:30-11:00 AM Friday, April 15 at Ringgold First Baptist Church with a memorial service to follow at 11 AM with Pastor Eric Kennedy officiating. 

Arrangements by Heritage Funeral Home & Crematory, Battlefield Parkway.