The Moeller student body will be missing a beloved member of the faculty next year, as Mr. James Balbach will be retiring at the end of the 2023-24 year.

Mr. Balbach announced his retirement on December 17, 2023 during his last Christmas chorus concert. He shocked everyone with this decision. Mr. Balbach’s students would often joke around, saying he was going to retire with the best senior class of his career, and then the prediction actually came true.

Mr. Balbach has been a teacher since 1981, spending 27 years at Moeller. In this time, he has been a popular teacher who nearly every student knows from his chorus classes. Mr. Balbach told his vocal ensemble class that he was retiring with his favorite senior class of all time and was pleased to be going out with a bang!

Mr. Balbach said what he will miss most about Moeller is the energy and enthusiasm of the students and the fond memories he has from all the years. He has been blessed to teach and know MANY remarkable Men of Moeller. In retirement, Mr. Balbach plans on playing more golf, exploring nature through hiking, and continuing to restore furniture. He went on to say that he looks forward to having more time for gardening, reading, traveling, and playing pickleball with senior citizens in Florida.

The Crusader talked with several of Mr. Balbach’s students, who all shared that they will miss Mr. Balbach and cherish many fond memories from chorus. Tanner Coe said, “All the vocal ensemble is going to miss Mr. Balbach in class, but we will all reach out and try to come together every time we are in Cincinnati.” Brett Ahr said he was “really sad to see one of Moeller’s best retire,” noting that the student body was sure to feel his absence. Eli-Jacon Duffy shared that “Mr. Balbach has been a great friend to my family and me. He played for my brother’s wedding, which made us even closer. Mr. Balbach will always have a special place in my heart.”

It is clear that Mr. Balbach is loved by his students. While Mr. Balbach will be missed, the Moeller community remains grateful for his many years of dedicated service. Thanks for all you’ve done, and you will always a part of this family.
Many wishes for a happy retirement, Mr. Balbach!!

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