James Edward Banks Sr

His funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, August 15, 2020 at Union Missionary Baptist Church in Bloomington with Rev. Sylvester Johnson officiating. Visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Friday, August 14, 2020 at Kibler-Brady-Ruestman Memorial Home in Bloomington. Interment will be at East Lawn Memorial Gardens Cemetery in Bloomington. It is recommended that those in attendance please wear a mask and practice social distancing.

Memorial contributions may be directed to the Alzheimer's Association.

James was born on March 18, 1944 in Maydee, TN. A son to Charlie Henry and Rachel Mahalia Ross Banks. He married Cheryl Lynn on December 21, 1990 at their home in Bloomington.

Surviving is his loving wife of 29 years, Cheryl Lynn Banks of Bloomington; his children, Georgia (JW) Taylor of Bloomington, Barbara Banks of Bloomington, James Edward (Leah) Banks, Jr., Seattle, WA, Jacqueline (Allan) Jones of Bloomington, Jacqueline Nicole (Andrew) Person of Bloomington, Cristen (Jon, Jr.) Banks of Peoria , Don (Tania) Williams of Bloomington, Randy Newbill of Bloomington, Judy McNeal of Madison, WI, Stevie McNeal of Madison, WI; brothers, Linnie Banks of Chicago, Larry (Carolyn) Ross of Madison, WI. James is also survived by twenty-six grandchildren and nine great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; seven siblings, Robert Banks, Edmond Banks, Idella Burton, Edmonia Banks, Pearlie McNeal, Charlie Mae Lipsey, and Ruthie Cutler, and a grandson, Anthony Williams.

James loved fishing, playing cards, and the blues. He especially enjoyed cookouts and family get togethers. James loved his family and will be remembered as a loving husband, father, brother, grandfather and friend. He will be greatly missed by all those who knew him.

The family would like to offer a special thank you to OSF Hospice for their compassionate care.