I can’t believe it’s going on 4 years since Jim’s tragic death.I first got to know Jim through my next door neighbor Jim Helmer.We instantly connected through our love for Cars and throughout the years Jim always helped me out with his vast knowledge about cars and by also doing repairs for me in his garage.As fate would have it I relocated to NC in 1999  and heard several years later that Jim was in the Brunswick county area where I was living.I was fortunate to visit him at the cape fear regional airport where he worked and it was so great to see him and get caught up and talk about our hometown of Marcellus,N.Y.We lost a good man, and a friend to all who knew him.My heartfelt condolences to you Laura.Rest in Peace,Jim.You live on in our hearts and minds.

Another year has gone by missing our good friend Jim. But the the fond memories remain strong. Jim and Laura were part of our traveling group. Jim was always a source of laughter, fun and insight. Our traveling group is getting older but still we travel on and every trip has a night recalling many of our 'Jim Banky experiences'.  Jim and Laura would have really loved our last trip to Cuba. The old cars and beautiful women ! Oh how we miss him.  God Bless you Jim,    Rest In Peace. Ted and Debbie Cobb 12/2023

Met Jim via Jack Burns early 2000s.
Enjoyed hearing about his experiences and biplane rides.
My wife and I ran a B&B in the area. We referred guests to Jim and his biplane rides in Skaneateles. 
Very sad to learn about Jim's passing. 
I will pray for comfort and peace for his family and friends.   And for his soul in Heaven 🙏🙏
Bob Sykes 



I remember Jim and his beautiful Carolina Belle!! I ran Caroline’s Airport Diner at the Oswego County Airport in Fulton,NY.  The customers loved to see him fly in and he would share stories with them and let them look at her.  He was a super nice guy!! May he Rest In Peace and his spirit fly high in the sky he loved!

In 95' I heard of an amazing person(Banky) through another wonderful person(Danny Smith)!! These people happen into your life sometimes for purposes we don't know exactly why. 
Banky drove truck and had some kool ol' trucks, and many stories(original reason I met him). Then I learned of Banky purchasing a biplane which brought me closer. My father flew planes and owned a piper cub in his early life. I purchased a gift certificate for Banky and his lovely wife to take my father back into flight which at his point in his life was so life changing all over again. Banky and his wife will never be forgotten in my life! They are truly life enriching and vibrant influences of what selfless and take life for the day and not worry about tomorrow people should be. I'm not very good with words but they have left such a mark in my life since 95'!!

Just could not believe what I was reading Thursday night. He was a true professional pilot and mechanic in everyway. He was a gentleman that when you were in his presence he made you a better person. If you did not like Jim Banky then you were the problem. My prayer's go to Laura and all his hangout friends at the airport.

Laura, 
For several days I have been trying to find the words to express my feelings and all I can say is that Martha and I feel so very fortunate to know you and Jim .
A loss like this affects everyone who knew Jim and although we have to keep moving forward nevertheless the memories will be with us forever. 
God bless you Laura 
Love, Mike and Martha Quigley 

I had the privilege of flying one time with Jim in his beautiful Carolina Belle. (Oct 2012) It was a  40 min flight seeing around Oak Island/Southport, but it will be a lifetime thrilling memory.  He was a great sport and allowed me to put my large Snoopy Santa in the right seat!

Where to start.  So much to say about ole Jim.  Haven't seen him or Laura in awhile, but the memories float back just like it was yesterday.   Spent many a night out with Jim talking mostly about airplanes. The real old days it was about safety inspections on trucks. Jim always had a keen eye for beautiful women, that's how he got Laura.  Always had a word or two to say about his children (the dogs).  Boy am I going to miss Jim.  Kept saying we need to get down and see him and Laura and just never found the time.   His little sayings, Mr Haney, how his back teeth were floating, 44 longs, and the list goes on.  Rest in Peace Jim, the world has lost a great pilot, excellent mechanic and a good man. God Bless Ted & Debbie Cobb

Laura,  
Gail and I are so sorry for your loss. Jim had such a great personality and lively spirit, we will miss him. The aviation community has lost a real treasure, not to mention all the great flying stories.

Allen Burr 

Laura,
So sorry for your loss, I remember talking with Jim many times at our company events. He was a good guy! Take care of yourself and do as I do, "cherish the good times you had together".
Victor Ianno


Jim was a friend you could trust with your life, both as a truly capable pilot and a versatile, skilled mechanic. Our friendship with Jim and Laura spans the decades when we came to live in North Carolina. They settled here too, after falling in love with the coast while flying the Carolina Belle. He and Laura were  known to our then little girls as “Merlin’s dad and mom,” because of their beautiful German shepherd, and we all loved seeing them. In later years, he was  a constant presence, working at the airport to greet and catch up with, and to help make sure that Joe’s planes were safe and airworthy. Quiet, kind, and with a dry sense of humor, Jim will be so very missed. Both as one of the genuinely good people, and one of the best and constant friends we can know in life. Godspeed to you Jim, you made such good use of your time here, and Laura, we wish you the peace provided only by the faith in Christ, and the reassurance of knowing we will see Jim again. 



I've known Jim since I was 18 years old. From the day I met him I knew he was a kind gentleman. Unfortunately, we lost touch for decades and then rekindled our friendship a few years ago. It was as though time had stood still; he was the same kind, caring man I once knew. Words could never express how much his friendship has meant to me. He would always listen to me ramble on and on about my  worries, especially about my adult children, and he would always offer kind, encouraging words and helpful advice. We both shared a great love for our pets, and often shared stories and pictures of them. Although I have not seen him in over thirty years, he held a special place in my heart, and I always considered him to be a very best friend. My heart goes out to his wife, Laura. It was so nice to have shared memories over the phone with her once I heard the horrible news of his passing. I still cannot believe it; as I am sure she cannot either. The world sure was a better place with Jim in it, and I know he will be missed more than words can say. Rest in peace Jim. I hope you found that golden place that is free of the chaos that is going on down here. You sure were a shining beacon for all the lives you touched. Won't say goodbye... only see ya. With prayers, your good friend, Cindy

Jim was quite a guy.  What a life!  It always seemed to me that there was nothing he couldn’t repair.  He not only “conquered” the ground as an OTR tractor trailer operator but then “elevated” his game by soaring with the birds.
I always enjoyed when Laura and Jim would come to the house over the holidays.  
I am so pleased to have as a memory, our last get together in Wilmington.   We solved all the worlds problems that day and had quite a few laughs.

I am so sorry. It was always the high point of my day when we arrived at the same event. Jim and I usually ended up huddled together talking about cars, engines, trucks, etc. I will miss those times.

So sorry for your loss Laura.  Jim was a great guy and will be missed.  May he rest in peace 💙

Mike and Tara Lanning

I cherish the memories of so many great times we enjoyed with Jim and Laura.  Heartfelt condolences to Laura, RIP Jim, you’ll definitely be missed by many ❤️

I was sorry to hear about the passing of Jim.
Jim and I were good friends in Highschool we went to BOCES together and learned mechanics.
We spent many days and hours working on Jim's 55Chevy and my Chevelle.
He was a good friend and will surely missed.
Jim Helmer

sincere sympathy, Jim and I shared good times that will not be  
forgotten.    In our prayers  Tom and Laurie

Laura and Kathy , 
I am in total shock at hearing what happened .   My most sincere sympathies are not enough to express how I feel . I have lost my little brother .  May God give you all comfort  . 


On behalf of the Marcellus Chapter of the Experimental Aviation Association, we are so sorry to hear of Jim’s passing. He was a great friend, pilot and man. We all missed him when he moved south, and always looked forward to visit with him when he came up for a visit. I will never forget the joy I had when Jim gave me a ride in the Waco a few years back. Everyone who knew Jim, soon became his friend. We all send our heartfelt sympathy to Laura. Fly high our friend.

Many fond memories, was with Jim and Laura the day he received his pilot’s license, we owned a plane together and shared many Bi-plane rides in the Waco. A great person and great pilot.
John Kellogg

I grew up next door to Jim.  He was always a nice kid and such a nice man.  I ran into him several years ago and we chatted like we had seen each other yesterday.  I’m sad to hear of Jim’s passing.  My prayers are given to his family and friends who will miss him terribly.  

OBITUARY

James Daniel "Jim" Banky

June 10, 1955 – December 12, 2021

Peacock, Newnam & White Funeral and Cremation Service

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