Richard James (Jr.) Balser

Richard James Balser, Jr. “Jim” was born in Macomb, Mississippi on May 15, 1952 and passed away peacefully at home in Temecula, California on February 12, 2019.  He is survived by his loving wife of 38 years Young Balser; daughter Anne; two sons David & Lee; parents Richard & Katherine; 7 siblings; and many nieces, nephews, and friends.

Jim enlisted in the Navy out of high school and served on a nuclear submarine for 7 years.  He met his wife, Young Balser, at community college, and they married in 1981. He graduated from Irvine University and began a long career in the nuclear for 45 years, diligently raising 3 children with his wife, who worked full time as a nurse.  After his career in nuclear power ended at San Onofree, he worked as a contractor wherever he could be hired to help finance his wife back home and the education of his three children, who became a doctor, a computer scientist, and an artist.

He spent his last years intensely volunteering in the community, being the well water manager and overall problem solver for the Kottongnae nun’s retreat, a member of the Knights of Columbus, an eucharistic minister and lector for St. Catherine of Alexandria’s parish, the caretaker for his grandparents in Mississippi, and was training to be a Chaplain at Temecula Valley Hospital.  He was also the supporter behind establishing the Korean community mass with his wife.

He had varied hobbies in his younger years including archery, home videos, skydiving, and photography, and his enduring hobbies were home improvement and recording moments with his family.  He loved to surprise his wife with romantic gestures during anniversaries and holidays. He loved to sing, especially for the nuns, with his signature song being “Impossible Dream.” Jim was always a selfless and hardworking person, and he was also extremely modest and would gently let others have the spotlight in conversations and gatherings, though he would always step up if the situation called for it.  He was a supporting, loving, and wise husband, father, and community leader.

His loving ways and gentle spirit will be missed by all.

A viewing and funeral mass will be held at St. Catherine of Alexandria in Temecula on Tuesday, February 19, 2019 at 10am.  Interment will follow at Temecula Valley Cemetery.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Richard James (Jr.) Balser, please visit our floral store.