John Fleming Ball ’52

Jack joined us from New Trier High School, where he was director of the student talent show, a harbinger of his college life and career. At Princeton he joined Cap, majored in English, and was very big in Triangle. He roomed with John Birkelund, Steve Bray, Craig Nalen, and Bruce Atwater.

He joined the Navy and served on a destroyer. He joined CBS and had quick success with such programs as Candid Camera, Sing Along With Mitch, and The Man From U.N.C.L.E. In 1961 he left CBS and joined J. Walter Thompson, where he was head of the documentary-television division and produced award-winning wildlife shows. In 1965 he started John F. Ball Productions, focusing on films for Catholic and educational institutions.

Jack and his wife, Anne Firestone Ball, were active in Roman Catholic organizations and the church. They were received by Pope John Paul II in 2003 and supported the Pontifical North American College in Rome.

Jack died March 9, 2018. He was predeceased by Anne in 2013. He is survived by children John Jr., David, and Sheila ’85. The class sends its sympathies to their children with a salute to Jack for his service to our country and his entertaining of millions.