Joe "J.D." Banks

Joe "J.D." Banks June 17, 1934 - May 15, 2008 Resident of Richmond Joe "J.D." Banks succumbed to heart failure May 15, 2008 in Richmond. He was 73. Mr. Banks was born and raised in Marshall, Texas. He came to California in 1943 when his father took a job at the Kaiser Shipyards in Richmond. "J.D." was an all-state basketball player at Richmond Union High School. He graduated in 1954. He attended Contra Costa College from 1955 to 1957 and in 1956, helped lead the Comets to the semfinals of the state tournament. He was known for his spectacular hook shot. After high school, he played one year at the University of Idaho. While working at Travis Air Force Base, Mr. Banks got a call that would instantly change his life; the Harlem Globetrotters were inquiring about his availability. He signed immediately. He also toured with the Harlem Clowns before retiring in 1967. During his professional career, he enjoyed traveling abroad and throughout the United States. In May of 1970, Mr. Banks returned to Contra Costa College and became the equipment manager. It was during his career at the San Pablo community college that Mr. Banks touched the lives of thousands of students, staff and instructors. Mr. Banks had the distinction of being the first nominee when the college officials created a Hall of Fame in 2004. He was a fixture at all CCC athletic events, walking the sidelines, sitting on the benches of men's and women's basketball games or on his favorite bench outside the men's locker room. Mr. Banks was a sports fan through and through, attending numerous sporting events, including the 1996 Olympics where he watched basketball, track and field and boxing events. Mr. Banks is survived by his wife of 48 years, Mae, three daughters and one son in law, Maria Jenkins Roberts of Hayward, Pamela Banks of Richmond , Delphina Banks Jones of Peachtree City, Georgia and Gavin Roberts of Hayward. Mr. Banks also leaves behind seven grandchildren and one great grandchild. A viewing will be held from 4 to 8 p.m. Friday at the Holy Angels Funeral Home at St. Joseph's Cemetery, 2540 Church Lane, San Pablo. Funeral services will be held in the gymnasium at Contra Costa College, 2600 Mission Bell Drive, San Pablo, at 10 a.m. Saturday. Burial will follow at St. Joseph's in San Pablo.