Our Staff
Jim Ballard
Managing Director - Wilmington
jballard@coastalcremations.com
A native of Illinois he graduated from Parkland College with an Associate in Applied Science, Bachelor of Arts from Eastern Illinois University, and a degree in Mortuary Science from Worsham College in Chicago. With over 35 years in the Funeral Care industry and holding a license in Illinois, Hawaii, California, and North Carolina, He shows great depth and diversity when providing the needs of families.
Katie Tiller
Managing Director - Jacksonville
ktiller@coastalcremations.com
Katie Tiller pursued her calling in 2006 to become a funeral director. A native of Nashville, TN, she now calls Jacksonville her home. Her heart is in caring for each person’s loved one as if they were her own. She values helping each family in their time of grief and aims to help bring closure. Katie is often accompanied by her four-legged assistant, Memaw, who is a certified Emotional Support Animal.
Elizabeth Daniels
Funeral Director
Elizabeth is an NC native and was raised in Pender County. She attended Louisburg College and NC State University. She worked 18 years in the aviation industry as a flight attendant and then spent 12 years working in the cemetery industry. In 2016 became licensed as a Funeral Director. She enjoys spending time with her family, watching the Carolina Panthers, and spending time at her family’s beach house in Surf City.
Ricky Blalock
Funeral Director
rickyblalock@coastalcremations.com
Enjoys Life – Ricky started in Funeral Service his Junior year at Apex High School where he graduated in 1975. Graduated from Gupton - Jones College of Mortuary Science in Atlanta, Ga. in 1977. Worked most of career in Wake County, NC before moving to North Myrtle Beach in 2015 to work with Coastal Cremation Carolina Shores. Choose this field because of love of God - Family - Love of People. In spare time enjoys motorcycle riding, spending time at the beach and playing drums.
Suzie Blalock
Office Manager
sblalock@altmeyer.com
Suzie is retired from Duke Medical Center and Decedent Care Office. She brings many years of medical and funeral home experience to families during their time of loss. Suzie enjoys her family, spending time at the beach, and working with people.