Jack Ballard was raised in a third-generation Montana farm and ranch family. He attended school in Three Forks, where he played football and ran on the track team as a distance runner. Following high school he earned a bachelor’s and two master’s degrees. Before becoming a professional writer/photographer, Ballard held the position of University Lecturer at Montana State University-Billings for over a decade. Jack lives in Red Lodge, Montana, with his wife Lisa, and English Setter, Percy. He has three adult children.