James Joseph Banim

James Joseph Banim (Jim) passed away peacefully at the age of 74 on May 7, 2019 in Torrance, California following a brief illness. Jim was born March 13, 1945 in Stuart, Florida to James and Miriam (Smith) Banim. He graduated from Lake Worth High School, Florida in 1964 before attending Florida State University as a Music Education Major. After college he taught for 8 years in Boca Raton, Florida before moving to California. There he taught for 3 years at Alhambra High School, then moved to Torrance to become the Band Director at West High School in 1979, where he stayed until his retirement in 2008. Throughout his career, he also raised three boys as a single father.

As a teacher, Jim was loved and respected by his students, their families, his administrators, and his work colleagues. His long career was filled with honors, awards and recognitions including Teacher of the Year awards, countless Superior ratings at music festivals, and performances in the Macy’s and Philadelphia Thanksgiving Parades and Rose Parades. He led the West High Band on many successful performance tours throughout the Unites States and Europe. Jim was completely dedicated to his students and became a father-figure to many. After his retirement, his biggest joy was caring for his grandchildren and helping out at Towers Elementary School in their classrooms.

Jim is preceded in death by his parents, James and Miriam Banim, his sister Sharon (Banim) Higgins, and his son, Thomas Erin Banim. He is survived by sons Vince Banim (Catherine Banim) of Torrance, James Banim IV of Florida, brothers Michael and Patrick Banim of Florida, and grandchildren Maya and Thomas Banim.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, June 9, 2019 at 1:00 PM.

West High School Performing Arts Center

20401 Victor St.

Torrance, CA 90503

Condolences may be sent in care of:

Vince and Katie Banim

20040 Anza Ave.

Torrance, CA 90503.