James Gregory Banes

James was born on February 13, 1946 in Pontiac to James H. Banes and Merle M. (Matthews) Banes. He came from a family rooted in love, faith, and tradition, with grandparents James M. Banes and Eva Summers, and William H. Matthews and Elizabeth M. Matthews.

James married the love of his life, Patricia A. (Bierwirth) Banes, and together they built a family filled with love, memories, and generations of joy. He was a proud father to Adam J.R. Banes, Amy K.L. Banes-Berceli, Sarah A.A. Richmond and her husband Wes Richmond, Joshua P.H. Banes, and his wife Holly Banes.

He was also a cherished Papa to Meghan Banes, Erin Banes, Aidan Banes, Michael Berceli, Jacob Berceli, Emily Richmond, Nathaniel Richmond, Andrew Banes, and Sady Banes.

James is also survived by his siblings, Keith (Barb) Banes and Eva (Jim) Eggebean, his sister-in-law Joanne Bierwirth, and many nieces and nephews.

Those who knew James will remember him for his love for his family, his passion for teaching at Sashabaw Middle School for 32 years, for being a coach for Wrestling, Track and Cross Country, a Springfield Township Library Board member for 24 years, his faith, his strength, and the way he carried the Banes family name with pride. His life was centered around those he loved, and his legacy will continue through his children, grandchildren, and all the lives he touched.

He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered.

Visitation will take place on Tuesday, June 30th, at Elton Black & Son Funeral Home, Highland, Michigan from 3-8 pm.

On Wednesday July 1st there will be visitation from 10 am to 11 am prior to the funeral service at 11 am. The funeral service will be held at Holy Spirit Lutheran Church, 7234 Fenton Rd Grand Blanc MI 48439.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Friends of Springfield Township Library, and Springfield Township Parks and Recreation in James's memory.