Photo courtesy of Rudy-Rowland Funeral Home - Henderson
Henderson, Kentucky
Mar 10, 1941 – Sep 12, 2020 (Age 79)
James Gordon “Jim” Bantly, 79, of Henderson, Kentucky, passed away Saturday, September 12, 2020, at St. Thomas West Hospital in Nashville, Tennessee.
Jim was a 1959 graduate of Henderson City High School where he played football, basketball, and baseball. Jim was an avid sports fan who followed the Chicago Bears, Chicago Cubs, and the Kentucky Wildcats. He also enjoyed thoroughbred horse racing. His love of sports was cause for his enthusiasm for coaching youth league football where he mentored many young athletes.
He was a member of the National Guard and was called to active duty during the Berlin Crisis in 1961. He achieved the rank of Sergeant and was later asked to share his experience as a Guardsman and participated in Senator Richard Lugar’s program for Veterans of America. His audiology of this experience is recorded in the Library of Congress in Washington, D.C.
Jim retired from Sitex Corporation as Vice President of Sales after 38 years of service.
Jim’s quick wit and gregarious personality fostered scores of long term friendships. He never met a stranger, and to know him was to love him. His humor was infectious, his attitude positive, his smile a thousand watts! He will be sorely missed.
He was preceded in death by his mother, Jennie Zehner Bantly; one brother, Henry “Buster” Bantly; and his father-in-law, Joe Theriot.
Jim’s family was a source of great pride. Survivors include his devoted wife of 25 years, Shelia Theriot Bantly; two daughters, Beth West and her husband, Dr. Kevin West, of Nashville, Tennessee, and Jennie Peak and her husband, Jason Peak, of Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida; four grandchildren, Kate and Bantly West and Claire and Lainie Peak; his mother-in-law, Margaret Theriot of Henderson, Kentucky; and a niece, Claudia Hall of Harrodsburg, Kentucky.
Memorial services will be at 5 p.m. Monday at Rudy-Rowland Funeral Home. Jim’s dear friend, Bill Burton, will officiate.
Visitation will be from 1 p.m. until service time Monday at the funeral home.
The family graciously requests contributions to the America Heart Association or a charity of your choice.
Online condolences may be made at www.rudyrowland.com.
Read MoreJim was an awesome man and I truly looked up to him. We worked together at SITEX for many years and remained friends after his retirement. I teared up at his retirement announcement. He turned to me and said "Jo,I believe you would cry at a Walmart opening". His wit was son infectious.
So very sorry for your loss.
Jo Ann Lansden
Jo Ann
September 14, 2020 | Friend
I have known Jim most of my life since he was good friends with my uncles Fred and Doug Gibson. Whoever wrote this obituary described Jim perfectly. RIP Jim.
Jerry Williams
September 14, 2020 | Friend
He had one of a kind personality. I liked him very much and as we live away I have not been in his presence for awhile.
Jim Guess
September 13, 2020 | Ft Myers, FL | Friend
I'm so sorry for your loss my prayers for you and your family
Terry Bowling
September 13, 2020 | Henderson, KY | Friend
Worked with Jim at Industrial Uniform around 1970. No matter where or when you saw him, he would always have something to say & carry on!! Jim will be greatly missed by family & friends!! Hugs & Prayers to ALL!!!
Connie Flint Mays
September 12, 2020 | Henderson, KY | Friend
I'm so sorry to hear of Mr. Bantly's passing. He was a lovely, honorable man with a terrific smily who had a life well lived. His legacy of laughter and friendship certainly lives on through his daughter, Beth, and family. Rest In Peace, Mr. Bantly. Thoughts and prayers are with you all. xox
Amanda and Thomas Beck
September 12, 2020 | Nashville, TN | Friend
What an awesome man the world has lost! Got to know Jim at Sitex during the 9 yrs I ran a route in the 90s. So sorry for the loss. He was a man that every time I would see him we had a great story to tell or lots of laughs to share. Always asked about my family and spoke of his many times, he was/is very proud of his daughters the the family he has. We had a ongoing “prank” that we have done on each other for over 20 yrs. May you RIP Jim Bantley. Sorry for his family and friends. Gonna...
Todd Grass
September 12, 2020 | Henderson, KY | Friend
