This partnership in the early 1970s while both were employed at Cessna Aircraft Company in Wichita, Kansas. Jim began his own business in 1977, offering pilot services and flight instruction. In 1981, Jim approached the Veteran’s Administration to offer air transport for critically ill patients. The V.A. provided medical personnel to start “Kansas Air Life.” In 1997, a name change to “EagleMed” provided medical air transport to other states in the Midwest. In 2000, EagleMed earned accreditation in the Association of Air Medical Services. By 2009, EagleMed was flying six Beechcraft King Airs, sixteen helicopters in three states, and has been recognized for “Best in Business” awards. Jim and Ava Ballard have demonstrated extraordinary personal and professional accomplishments in the field of general aviation and contributed greatly to the economic growth and quality of air medical transport in the region.