Jim Ball
To view the livestream please click here
Jim Ball died peacefully in his sleep on April 15, 2026 at the age of 78, after a brief battle with cancer. In his final days, he was surrounded by those he loved most: his beloved wife of 43 years, Anita Diamant; his daughter, Emilia Diamant; his brother-in-law, Harry Diamant; and Emilia’s partner, Sophie.
Born in Tehran, Iran, Jim immigrated to the United States as a child and was raised in New Jersey. His mother, Julie, raised him and his brother, Ron, with abundant kindness, strong values, and enough Persian food to ensure he would never accept bland cooking for the rest of his life.
Jim attended Ithaca College, where he was a proud member of Students for a Democratic Society (SDS) and active in the anti–Vietnam War movement. It was also there that he fell in love with music, which became a lifelong passion.
He built a long and varied career in public relations working at the Harvard University News Office. The Cambridge School Department, and at the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA.)
In 2009, Jim co-founded the Boston Jewish Music Festival with Joey Baron, which later became part of JArts. For Jim, music was a way to build community, tell stories, and make lasting friendships.
A devoted singer, Jim was a member of several choirs and choruses in Boston and beyond, including the Newton Community Chorus and the Sinai Singers. Most recently, he founded a chorus at Opus in Newton, where he and Anita had recently moved.
Jim also served as a North American Board member for the Union for Reform Judaism, contributing his leadership and deep commitment to Jewish life and community.
While his accomplishments were many, those who knew Jim always mention his kindness, his warmth, his quick smile, and his love of laughter.
Funeral services will be held on Friday at 11:00 AM at Temple Sinai Brookline.
Jim’s family will be observing Shiva at the following times and locations:
- Sunday, April 19, 5:00-8:00pm, at Temple Sinai, 50 Sewell Ave., Brookline, MA Attend in person, or by Zoom (click here).
- Monday, April 20, 7:00-8:00pm, a “Kumzits Shiva” via Zoom only, with music that Jim loved (click here for the Zoom link);
- Tuesday, April 21, 5:30-8:00pm, at Temple Sinai, Brookline. Attend in person, or by Zoom (click here).
- Wednesday, April 22, Shiva will be private;
- Thursday, April 23, 12:00-2:00pm, at Mayyim Hayyim Living Waters community mikveh and educational center, 1838 Washington Street, Newton.
Those who wish to honor Jim’s memory through acts of tzedakah are encouraged to consider making a donation to the Zamir Choral Foundation, Temple Sinai’s Music, Prayer & Ritual Fund, or the voting rights organization of your choice.