James Thomas Banks

James Thomas Banks entered this world on February 6th of 1941 and transitioned from this earthly realm on January 20th of 2023. He was the seventh child born to Samuel and Beatrice Banks.

Preceding him in death, his life partner Theresa Smith (Ms. T), father (Samuel Banks). Mother (Beatrice Banks), sister’s (Frances, Evelyn, Grace, Charlene), brother’s (Eugene, Cornelius, Richard), stepsons (Ronald Thomas Sr., Leroy Thomas Jr.)

James accepted Christ at an early age, where he sang in the children’s choir with his sister Kathryn (Kitty). His education journey was through the Kansas City Kansas Public Schools, where he exceeded the expectations of excellence. He was a straight A student from elementary to high school. He served his country, through the United States Air Force, where he was an aircraft mechanic. His pursuit of becoming a Firefighter, was a provision in the United States Air Force.

 James was married to Janice Banks in 1963. From that union, his only daughter Shelley Banks was born. As life would have it, in his pursuit for continued happiness, he met his life partner Theresa Smith. She was his inspiration, voice of reason and commitment in love, until her last breath of life in 2020.

From Babylon to Timbuktu is James T. Banks life story. He believed literacy was one of the greatest tools for success in life.   His wisdom and knowledge were endured from humbled beginnings. One of his greatest accomplishments was fulfilling his lifelong dream of becoming a firefighter, and he also became one of the first black Fire Chiefs for the Kansas City Kansas Fire department and retired at the age of 50 years old.  In his retirement he was not an idle man as he became the most diverse and profound debater on the Rush Limbaugh Show. He read books that were not on the best sellers list but were full of “Authentic” truths. Gaining knowledge was his passion and seeking to understand was his belief, he was never at a loss for words.

He was also an avid fisherman and gardener. Being a grandfather and great-grandfather was his ultimate joy James T. Banks character and integrity was his greatest attributes to his family and friends. He was committed to his family with an unconditional love.

James T. Banks leaves to cherish his memory, his sister’s Kathryn Rowland, Carolyn Starkey (Oxnard, California); brother Mike Robinson (San Pablo, CA); daughter Shelley Coulter (Eric), daughter in love Vicki Smith (Ms. T); daughter in law Tonoa Thomas (Ronald), granddaughter Ericka Coulter(Los Angeles, CA), Niyla McCleary, grandson Eric Coulter(Las Vegas, NV), great-grandson Harper King (Los Angeles, CA); Special nieces Marceline Williams, Kimberly Knox (Las Vegas, NV), Special Caregiver Jessica Fabian, Crossroads Hospice Lenexa and host of nieces, nephews, family, and friends.

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