James Banks

James Bryan Banks, affectionately known by friends, family, and loved ones as "Jimbo" for his jovial nature, and endearingly referred to as "Big Boy" by his son, passed peacefully with his loving wife by his side. He arrived at his earthly home on November 23, 1942 and entered his heavenly home on April 22, 2024.

Born to B.D. and Elizabeth Banks in the beautiful town of New Bern, North Carolina, James would grow up to become a compassionate, funny, loving, and talented individual who left a positive mark on everyone he met.

James was a man of many talents and passions, but his most fulfilling occupation was as a teacher in Public Education. He held a master's degree in Industrial Arts and had the privilege of teaching vocational skills at West Craven Middle School and Havelock High School, where he retired in 2002. His previous work with HUD and the Army Corps of Engineers had taken him to various locations in the southeast, including Virginia and Georgia, and around the world, as far as Saudi Arabia and Germany. Yet, it was his hometown of New Bern that held his heart. His love for his community was evident in his service as a Stephen Minister at Christ Episcopal Church and his volunteer work with the "Yoke" prison ministry. True to his Christian faith, James believed in the verse, "Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God's grace in its various forms." (1 Peter 4:10).

In his private life, James was a man who found joy in simple pleasures. His hobbies included working on clocks and doing woodworking in his shop, boating, and spending time on his tractor. Yet, what mattered most to him was his family and his dogs. His wife, Gail Banks, remembers him as a loving and devoted husband. James was a man who was as passionate about helping people as he was about his hobbies. His laughter was contagious, his heart was big, and his spirit was generous.

James was preceded in death by his parents, B.D. and Elizabeth Banks. His memory will continue to live on in the hearts of his wife, Gail Banks; his son, Chuck Banks; his sister, Barbara Jackson; and all who were fortunate enough to know him.

A memorial service to honor and celebrate Jame's life will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, May 11, 2024 at Christ Episcopal Church.

We invite you to leave your memories of James, and upload photos to the memorial page, as we collectively celebrate the life of this remarkable man.

Bennett Funeral & Cremation Care is honored to serve the family and friends of James Banks.