James A. Banks, Sr.

James A. Banks Sr., born on January 14, 1939, in Locust Grove, GA, passed away peacefully surrounded by his loved ones. He was the beloved son of the late Albert Banks and Nellie Wyatt Banks, and the eldest brother of the late Herman Banks,

Mildred McKenzie, and Cordelia Banks. James was a beloved and devoted husband to the late Jean Banks and father to Jim Jr., Alison, and Carla, and a doting grandpa to his grandchildren, Foster, Leighton, Christian, Joyce, Isabella, Jacob, and great grandchild Sergio.


At the age of four, James moved from Georgia to Cambridge, MA, where he grew up near Central Square on Western Ave. A proud Cantabrigian, he attended Houghton Grammar School until 8th grade and then went on to Rindge Technical School, graduating with the Class of 1957, his classmates voting him "Most Earnest". During his high school years, James actively contributed to the success of the Rindge track team as a 330-yard low hurdler and high jumper. James held fond memories of his many friends from Cambridge and Rindge, with whom he remained connected until his passing. He shared special memories at Hoyt Field, the Cambridge Community Center, and the Children's Haven, where he later served on the Board for many years.


James went on to attend Northeastern University, earning a track scholarship and enrolling in their ROTC program, graduating in 1961 with a teaching degree. After completing his military commitment, which took him to Okinawa, Japan, for three years, his initial plan was to become a social studies teacher. However, his passion for sports inspired him to earn a master's degree in physical education from Boston University Sergeant College.


James "Mr. Banks" life can best be summed up by the "communities" he participated in and helped create.


Union Baptist Church - He was a faithful and devoted member of the Union Baptist Church, baptized there at age 14. James was a long-standing Sunday School teacher, served as the Sunday School Superintendent for more than 30 years, and served on the Deacon Board, inspiring and influencing many to put their trust and surrender into the Mighty hands of God. "Mr. Banks, the more I accomplish, the more I have to thank you for. Growing up, I had very few positive role models, but through the love and blessings of God, he sent me you. Although we would see each other once a week, your presence was felt the other six days until we would meet again."


The Estabrook School - Initially starting in the Wakefield School system, a position opened up at the Adams School in Lexington, and after five years there, he moved tohis home at the Estabrook School, where Mr. Banks remained, dedicating 39 years to teaching hundreds of children all kinds of sports and health concepts. His deepest joy was teaching gymnastics, rope climbing, and dance. "From Mr. Banks' first day at Estabrook, all students - regardless of size, grade, or physical ability—were

enthusiastically immersed in their physical education experience. Everyone was a valued, respected participant in class. Inclusion was achieved in the gym or on the field because Mr. Banks' approach helped make each and every student feel important." "For more than 40 years, Jim Banks made our kids feel great about themselves. He taught them how to play as a team, and he personifies everything that makes Lexington our hometown, not to mention the place where multiple generations of kids learned to dance!" Today, you can stop by Estabrook and visit the James "Jim" Banks Gymnasium, dedicated in honor of his longstanding and masterful teaching accomplishments.


The Meadowbrook Day Camp - Affectionately referred to as Jim at Meadowbrook for 30 years, twenty as a group counselor (Tadpoles) and ten as the camp Director. He led the Tadpole Olympics each summer at their overnights and taught all the staff the "Electric Slide" and many other dances. "Under Jim's guidance, the Camp has been a safe and supportive environment in which children learned new skills, developed friendships, and had a fabulous camping experience."


Tennis & Sportsmen's Tennis and Enrichment Center - He shared his continued love for sports by becoming a USTA certified tennis instructor in his later years, working as a tennis instructor at the Boston Sports Club and The Sportsmen's Tennis Club. "Coach Banks taught many, many children the fundamentals of tennis, seeing many of them go off to college and some return to STEC as counselors and instructors."


Line Dance - His students at Estabrook, the Girl Scouts Father-Daughter Dance, and the counselors at Meadowbrook were not the only ones to enjoy his expertise and joy of teaching line dance. Jim continued to teach line dance until 2023 at senior centers in Bedford, Winchester, and Stoneham, with students up to the age of ninety years.


James' life was characterized by his faith, resilience, and gratitude, especially after a car accident in 2008 that taught him to appreciate every day. He will be remembered for his dedication to education, his passion for sports, and his unwavering commitment to his Heavenly Father and his communities. He leaves behind a legacy of kindness, perseverance, and love.


James, Jim, Mr. Banks leaves to mourn his children, James A. and Estela C. Banks Jr. of McAllen TX; David and Alison J Graham of Hyde Park MA and Carla R. Banks of Lexington MA; siblings Mildred McKenzie of Dorchester MA and Cordelia Banks of Cambridge MA, brother in law Robert F. Hawkins of New Bedford MA and sister in law Constance Smith of Lexington MA and LaVerne Banks of Cambridge MA; grandchildrenFoster Graham of Key West FL, Richard Leighton Graham of Hyde Park MA, Christian and Joyce Treviño of Houston TX, Isabella Favela and Jacob Favela of McAllen TX; great grandchild Sergio Treviño of Houston TX; nieces and nephews Ann M. Garcia of Indianapolis IN, Tonya Banks of New Orleans LA, Damon and Samantha Banks of Malden MA, Chandra Banks of Cambridge MA, Herman L. and Robyn Banks Jr. of Worcester MA, Marla McKenzie of Philadelphia PA and Robert F. Hawkins Jr. of New Bedford MA, and many dear cousins, family and friends. He is preceded in passing by his parents Albert and Nellie (Wyatt) Banks of Cambridge MA and his brother Herman Banks of Cambridge MA.


A Visitation will be held in the Grace Chapel, 59 Worthen Road, LEXINGTON on Saturday, November 22nd from 1pm-4pm. A Funeral Service will be held in the Union Baptist Church, 874 Main St., CAMBRIDGE, Tuesday, November 25th at 11am. A gathering for relatives and fiends will be held in the church from 10am-11am before the Service Services will conclude with burial at Westview Cemetery, Lexington.