James Kenneth Bankston

1933 - 2021

James Bankston

James Kenneth Bankston, loving husband and father of three, passed away peacefully at the age of 88 on Sunday, Sept. 26, 2021.

Jimmy was born on Feb. 14, 1933, in Brunswick, Georgia. A lifelong native of St. Simons Island, Georgia, he graduated from Glynn Academy High School in 1953, and the University of Georgia in 1959. He made UGA history in the pool as a three-time All-SEC selection. Jimmy captured SEC individual championships in the 100-yard free (1958), 220-yard free (1957,'58), 440-yard free (1957) and 1,500-meter free (1957,'59). Although the events today aren't the same in distance, he continues to hold the school records in the 220, 440 and 1,500. He also swam in the NCAA National Championships, where he placed sixth in the 1,500-meter race. Jimmy was an All-Time Letter-winner in Swimming and Diving at UGA in 1957, 1958, and 1959. He served as a Corporal in the United States Army from 1953-1955. He was a lifeguard for many years with Sea Island Beach Club. Jimmy's career began with Glynn County as the recreational director and manager of the Casino, where he started the Golden Isles Swim Team. Jimmy was an Executive Vice President and President of Military Sales for Rich SeaPak for over 50 years when he retired. Jimmy was inducted into the Glynn County Sports Hall of Fame, Class of 2015, and will be inducted into the Georgia Sports Hall of Fame, Class of 2022. He was a faithful member of St. Simons United Methodist Church. Jimmy always found time to serve on numerous boards in his community and church.

Accomplished and proud of his career, Jimmy's true love was his family. He married Carolyn Joyce Rogers Bankston in 1960 in St. Simons United Methodist Church. Together they raised three daughters - Troy Lane Bankston, Stacy Elaine Bankston Fiedler (Jim) and Allison Rain Bankston Vuicich (Ray). His pride and joy were his grandchildren, Cecilia Vuicich, Bankston Fiedler, Gabriella Vuicich, Bridget Vuicich, Ashlyn Fiedler, Victoria Vuicich, Agatha Vuicich and Trey Vuicich.

Survivors include Jimmy's loving wife of 61 years, Joyce, of St. Simons Island, Georgia; his three children; eight grandchildren; sister, Frances Manor; and brothers, Jack Bankston and Charlie Bankston (Edwina); and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

Jimmy was preceded in death by his parents, Byron Eugene Bankston Sr. and Velma Sylona Bunting Bankston; his brothers, Byron Bankston Jr. (Josephine) and Frank Bankston (Janice); and sister, Dorothy Ann Wood (Jay); and Chuck Manor and Eileen Bankston.

Jimmy was a friend to everyone he met. He loved the University of Georgia and UGA football. Jimmy traveled extensively during his career, but his most enjoyable times were traveling to Athens, Georgia, to watch the DAWGS with Joyce, the children, and his entire Bankston family. He cherished his time with his daughters, sons-in-law and grandchildren and celebrating all of our family traditions. Jimmy loved the military and was a true patriot.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 7, 2021, at St. Simons United Methodist Church, with a reception to follow in the Thorpe Building. The Rev. Tom Jones will officiate, assisted by the Rev. Richard Soper. A private family inurnment, with military honors, will be held at Oglethorpe Memorial Gardens.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Simons United Methodist Church, 624 Ocean Blvd., St. Simons Island, Georgia, 31522.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Edo Miller and Sons Funeral Home and Oglethorpe Crematorium in Brunswick, Georgia. www.edomillerandsons.com

Family-placed obituary

The Brunswick News, October 2, 2021