John Robert Balmer

John R. Balmer, 91, of Alpharetta, GA, passed away Sunday, May 29, 2011.

He was born January 13, 1920 in New Philadelphia, Ohio, to John Richard and Emma Hert Balmer. He married Sophia Masich Balmer in 1944 and lived in Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio before moving to Alpharetta, GA in 1988. He graduated from Ohio University and later received his Juris Doctor degree from the University of Akron.

John was a first lieutenant and bombardier in World War II and later served as a magistrate in the Summit County, Ohio court system until he retired in 1982. He was an accomplished jazz pianist and performed for many audiences throughout his life. He was a member of the Alpharetta Presbyterian Church and active in Kiwanis.

John is survived by his wife and best friend Sophia; three children, Janet McGraw and husband Rick of Roswell, Ga; Sandra Balmer of Alpharetta, Ga; and Mark Balmer and wife Stacy of Damascus, Md. He is also survived by five grandchildren, Mike McGraw and wife Rachel, Dan McGraw and wife Jennifer, John McGraw, Nick Balmer and Emily Balmer; and two great-grandchildren, Eden McGraw and Alex McGraw.

In lieu of flowers contributions can be made to the Alpharetta Presbyterian Church.

A Memorial Service will be held at 11:00, June 2, 2011 at Alpharetta Presbyterian Church in Alpharetta, GA.

Arrangements by Bayrs Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 155 Professional Park Drive, Cumming, Georgia.

Online condolences at www.byarsfuneralhome.com (678) 455-5815.