On February 2, 1928, Jesse James Wilbanks and Jennie B (Cook) welcomed their first born, James William Wilbanks, in Culman County, Alabama. Soon followed by his 3 younger brothers; Sammy Lee, Paul Junior, and Avery.
His family moved to Dade County, Florida when James was 10 years old. They mostly worked in Agriculture, working the fields picking cotton, tomatoes, beans, peanuts, and other crops seasonally. As he got older, James also found work in various levels of construction, and developed several skill trades.
When his country called, James enlisted in the United Sates Marine Corps, and served in the Pacific theater of World War II. He later continued to serve as part of the Marine Reserves in the Korean War.
After his service, James married Eileen Patricia Woulfe in May of 1954. They eloped to Kingsland, Georgia, and spent their honeymoon in St. Augustine. Being a skilled tradesman, and with his wife Patricia at his side, they settled down and literally built their home together in Miami, Florida. And it wasn’t too long before James and Patricia started their family. They had three children; James Leo, Eileen Virginia, and Michael Paul. And naturally, over many years, three grandchildren, and many more great grandchildren.
If there is anything we all know about James William Wilbanks, its that he was always a hard worker, and it was difficult to get him to stay put. But what I remember most about my grandfather, is that he had a good sense of humor. He could take just about any situation, find the bright side, and make a silly joke. I'm pretty sure ALL of the rest of us get our antics, sarcasm, and wit - from grandpa.
James William Wilbanks retired from this world on July 17, 2019. And I'm sure he was Overjoyed to be reunited with his beloved Patricia.
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