Rev. James Jim L. Wilbanks Sr.

His home was Alexian Village, Signal Mountain, TN.

The Reverend Wilbanks was preceded in death by his wife, Sally Thompson Wilbanks, parents John L. and Emma Mae Green Wilbanks and Sister Johnnie Bess Kenner.

He is survived by three children, James L. Wilbanks, Jr. of Rising Fawn, GA, Deborah Treat Pflager of Waynesboro, P A, and Patricia Tavia Wilbanks of Chattanooga; five grandchildren; three great-grandchildren .

A life long resident of Chattanooga, The Rev. WIlbanks was a graduate of Baylor School and attended the Theological Seminary at the University of the South in Sewanee. He served in the US Army from 1942 to 1945, mostly in the Pacific Theatre of Operations. Jim participated in two invasions in New Guinea and in the invasion of Luzon. At the end of May, 1945 he had completed 385 continuous days of combat and was wounded three times. He was awarded the Bronze Star, the Purple Heart the Asiatic Pacific Award, and the Philippines Liberation Medal. After his discharge in 1945, he was a member of the American Legion, Post #14 and was Chaplain of DAV with a life membership. Jim's first career covered more than 30 years in the hardware business, beginning in 1938 with the Agnew Hardware Company. After the war he continued his career with C.M. McClung & Co., Orgill Brothers. He was founder of the Chattanooga Area Hardware Association. He was Vice President and board member of the Tennessee Retail Hardware Association and President of the Brainerd Kiwanis Club, where he was a member for 42 years. Jim was founder of the Tyner High School Key Club and Charter member of the Brainerd Hills Country Club, and was past Chaplain of the Half Century Club.

In 1962, The Reverend Wilbanks began his second vocation, ordained a deacon at Grace Church, Chattanooga. In 1972, after completing studies at the University of the South, he was ordained as priest in the Episcopal Church He served as Associate Rector and Interim Rector at Grace Church until his retirement in 1987. He was Chaplain at Crossroads, CADAS, and the Half Century Club. He served on the board of St. Barnabas, ECSET, and the National Association of Self-Supporting Active Ministries. Continuing his vocation until his death, the Rev. Wilbanks served as Interim Priest at several Episcopal parishes in the area. He also supplied in eighteen parishes in this area. In 1999 The Reverend Wilbanks and his wife, Sally, moved to Alexian Village on Signal Mountain.

Funeral service will be held at 11 AM Friday, October 15, 2010 at St. Timothy Episcopal Church with The Bishop of Tennessee, The Rt. Rev. Charles G. VonRosenberg, The Rev. George Choice, The Rev. Perry Scruggs and The Rev. Kathryn Mathewson officiating. Burial will be in the Chattanooga National Cemetery. Visitation will be from 5-7 PM Thursday, October 14, 2010 at the East Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home, 404 South Moore Road and from 10-11 AM Friday at the church.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Sisters of St. Mary, Sewanee, Tennessee or the Alexian Brothers Village, Signal Mountain.