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CHICAGO -- John Wallis Ballantine, 80, of Lake Forest, Chicago, and Palm Beach, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, Aug. 5, 2026, with Caroline, his beloved wife of 55 years, by his side. He leaves a legacy of leadership, intellectual curiosity, generosity and devotion to family, friends and his communities.
John was born in Youngstown, Ohio, to George and Elizabeth Ballantine. He is the youngest of three brothers (George and Richard). He was an honor roll graduate of The Rayen School, where he excelled in academics, music and football. His classmates voted him "the most versatile." He graduated from Washington and Lee University in 1968 and earned his MBA from the University of Michigan in 1970. He went on to build a distinguished career in banking and finance at First Chicago. Following John's retirement, he served on multiple boards, ensuring strong risk management and corporate governance. Beyond his professional accomplishments, John lived by his principles and was deeply committed to civic and cultural life. He believed that giving back to the institutions that inspire future generations is one of life's greatest privileges. His influence will continue to be felt through the many people whose lives he touched and the organizations he helped strengthen in the arts, education, public media and health care.
John loved to laugh. He was a fabulous dinner partner, bringing wit, song, and merriment to many a meal. And when the band played rock and roll, you could always find him and Caroline on the dance floor. In quieter moments, John was a voracious reader who regularly completed The New York Times crossword in ink and in order. He was a steadfast friend, bringing the full breadth of his time and talent to help the people in his life. Finally, John was a father and grandfather to those he loved, finding as much joy in a five-year-old's finger painting as he did in fine art. That joy will live on in all who knew him.
Along with his wife Caroline, John is survived by his sister-in-law, Molly Ballantine; his nephews, David Ballantine and John Wallis Ballantine; his niece, Liza Ballantine; and the many loving, loving members of his extended family.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made, in John's memory, to Northwestern Memorial Foundation.
A memorial service will take place later in the fall. Info: 773-736-3833 or www.smithcorcoran.com.
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