Banks Sr., James R.

James R. Banks Sr., age 74, of East Galesburg, Illinois died at 5:45 p.m. on Tuesday, March 17, 2015 at the Abingdon Care Center in Abingdon, Illinois.

He was born on July 15, 1940 in East Galesburg, Illinois, the son of Chester and Maude S. Farrell Banks. He attended East Galesburg and Knoxville schools. He married A. Jeannie Courson, on April 6, 1958 in Burlington, Iowa. She preceded him in death in 1997. He then married Connie Swails, November 21, 2009 in Galesburg, Illinois.

James is survived by his wife, Connie; his children: Lynn (Ed) Jenkins of East Galesburg, Illinois; his two sons: Jeffrey (Kim) Banks of Galesburg, Illinois; James R. (Cindy) Banks of West Branson, Missouri; his step-children: Teresa Storz of Galesburg, Illinois and Bradley J. (Peggy) Fell of Galesburg, Illinois. His six grandchildren, four step-grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren, two step-great-grandchildren. His siblings: Richard Banks of Galesburg, Illinois and Myrtle Potter of Galesburg, Illinois; his nieces, nephews and many, many friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Jeannie, two sisters, three brothers, one step-grandson and two step-great-grandsons.

James was of Christian faith and a lifelong resident of East Galesburg, Illinois. He worked as an apprentice painter in Burlington, Iowa, then a truck driver for Doran Trucking and Knoxville Transport, where he later retired from in 1997. He then worked for Farm King in the warehouse. He owned and operated the J and R Saloon Grand Avenue in Galesburg, Illinois from 1994-1997.  He enjoyed fishing, hunting, wrestling and harness racing; he owned and trained several horses. James also enjoyed day tripping with Connie. He was a very devoted husband, father and grandfather.

Celebration of life will be held from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Saturday, March 21,  2015 at the East Galesburg Community Chapel in East Galesburg, Illinois. Memorials may be made to the Galesburg Humane Society. Online condolences and sympathy cards may be sent through www.hurd-hendricksfuneralhome.com

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