James David Ebanks
1959-2016
James David "Jim" Ebanks, age 57, born April 19, 1959 to William James Ebanks, Jr. and Eleanor Mengden Ebanks, passed away on November 6, 2016 in Houston, Texas.
A native Houstonian and proud Jayhawk, Jim graduated from the University of Kansas in 1981 where he met his wife of 30 years, Nancy. Graduating from the University of Houston Law Center, Jim was admitted to the bar in 1984.
Jim was the "leader of the pack" in each of his academic, professional, and leisurely pursuits. He had a brilliant mind and a strong work ethic. Board certified in Personal Injury Trial Law and Civil Trial Law, he loved the theatricality of trial and the complex pursuit of justice. He was recognized by Texas Monthly Super Lawyer for over a decade.
He served as Scoutmaster for St. Cecilia's Troop 673 for eleven years. An Eagle Scout, Jim was instrumental for dozens of young men earning the rank of Eagle, including his son, Erik. He was uncommonly skilled at taking care of others and after retiring from the position of Scoutmaster, Jim continued to contribute as a member of the Board of Directors of the Sam Houston Area Council and Chairman of Mustang District.
Jim's passions included baseball, diving, and hunting. His love for diving stems from family trips to Grand Cayman, where the Ebanks family originates.
Jim is survived by his former wife, Nancy Ebanks; daughter, Diana Ebanks; son, Erik Ebanks and fiancé, Ashley Harmon; daughter, Laura Ebanks and son-in-law, Samuel Porras; daughter, Brittany Ebanks; parents, Jim and Eleanor Ebanks; brother, William Ebanks and wife, Annette; sister, Dr. Theresa Wagner and husband, Jim; sister, Kathy Pearse and husband, Wayne; and numerous nieces and nephews.
A visitation with the family will begin at 6:00 p.m., with a recitation of the Holy Rosary at 7:00 p.m., on Thursday, November 10, 2016 at Joseph J. Earthman Generations, 234 Westcott Street.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m., Friday, November 11, 2016 at St. Cecilia Catholic Church, 11720 Joan of Arc in Houston, Texas, followed by a reception with the family.
A private Rite of Committal will follow at Forest Park Westheimer Cemetery.
For those desiring, donations may be made in Jim's memory to the Boy Scouts of America, Sam Houston Council (samhoustonbsa.org/memorials-and-tributes) or to Houston Hospice (houstonhospice.org).

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Houston Chronicle on Nov. 8, 2016.

Memories and Condolences
for James Ebanks

Sponsored by Joseph Earthman Generations.

26 Entries

Marilyn Mengden

December 17, 2016

I was so very sad to hear of the death of this special man.My time with his wonderful family was many years back but the memories were special.I am grateful to have connected with him by phone over the past couple of years.You will all remain in my prayers. Love Marilyn

December 17, 2016

Words can not express the sadness I felt when hearing of your loss.I have fond memories of the entire family in their younger days.It was so good to connect with Jim by phone over the past couple of years.You will all remain in my thoughts and prayers. Love Marilyn Mengden Wilmington Delaware

Scot Dollinger

November 15, 2016

I am a fellow trial lawyer who knew Jim professionally. I do Plaintiff's work and so I would encounter Jim on the opposite side. I would tell Jim that he was the perfect defense lawyer who really believed every position he took. I meant it as the highest compliment. I have the greatest respect for Jim as a lawyer, the only way I knew him.

I had lunch today with a friend where I first learned of Jim's passing. I am so sorry Jim is gone. He will be greatly missed.

My father also passed at 57 and also was an Eagle Scout. I was licensed on November 6, many years ago (1987). I will always remember a great lawyer died on November 6th.

I know Jim loved his family and he regretted how the demands of practice interfered with him fully manifesting his love for his family the way he wanted.

Please accept my sympathy for your profound loss.

Grateful for your service to our Coalition

Sandy Olson

November 11, 2016

Jim was an Advisory Member to our Coalition Board. As the Director of the organization, I knew that I could call on him in any time of real need for support. He once prepared a fabulous training for us on social host responsibility which he held at his office, where lunch was provided to all 20 of us, and as a part of the training, provided a beautiful binder for each of us with up to the minute information that was extremely informative and helpful for our youth drug prevention campaign. We are saddened by his passing, and extend our heartfelt sympathy to his family and close companions in life.

Lori Foelich

November 11, 2016

Nancy, We are all very sorry to hear the news of Jim's passing. Know that our thoughts and prayers are with you & the family.

Lori Froelich

Michael Fine

November 10, 2016

I went to Lawrence High School with Jim. He was always a good friend and hard worker. My thoughts to all of Jim's family and friends.

Caroline Batten

November 10, 2016

I tried some of my first cases with Jim as a baby lawyer, and I knew even then that I was learning from one of the best. He was brilliant, dynamic, and could relate to a jury like no other. The best mentors give you enough leash to let you make your own mistakes but not enough to hang yourself, and even if I did not realize it then, I am so thankful for those lessons from him early on in my career. He was taken too soon, and may he rest in peace. Prayers for comfort for Nancy, his children, family and everyone who loved him.

Caroline Clinton Batten

Jeanne and Jay Chaffee

November 10, 2016

As a Scout Leader, Jim gave a great deal of himself helping little boys transition into fine young men. The community owed him a debt that can never be paid, and we'll be forever grateful. Nancy and the family are in our thoughts and prayers.

Candace Russell

November 9, 2016

I knew Jim through work. He was dynamic, intense, funny and caring. May he rest in peace.

avanelle porras

Sent Flowers

Jack Keith

November 8, 2016

I met Jim thru Boy Scouts of America, and worked with him on several Scouting events. He was a strong supporter of Scouting, and will be greatly missed. May the peace and rest of Our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Also, giving your family, Hope, and Comfort.

November 8, 2016

I met Mr. Ebanks through scouting and had the pleasure of working with him on several boy scout events. He was a very giving individual and a true friend to scouting. He will be missed. May peace be with you.
chris jackson

David & Kathleen Irwin

November 8, 2016

David and I remember Jim as larger than life and a true legal genius. He always called David "Big Bird" and was great at zinging David (which I always thoroughly enjoyed because I'm no good at razzing my smart-aleck husband).

We are deeply saddened by Jim's passing; he will be truly missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family.

Much love to all of you,
Kathleen and David Irwin

kelly tronzo

November 8, 2016

Jim was such a passionate and giving man. May he rest in peace.

Danielle Comeaux

November 8, 2016

I was co-counsel on some cases with Jim many years ago. I have never seen someone so calm and ferocious at the same time. He had no fear. He loved a trial. He loved life. He was a big personality - they had better make some room for him in heaven! My condolences to his family and friends.

Bryan Coleman

November 8, 2016

Jim was a unique individual, capable of being a warrior and capable of having fun. He will be missed. May God comfort his family and loved ones.

Sonya Stanger

November 8, 2016

Jim was my boss for several years. I worked with him at one lawfirm and helped him start another. When I first interviewed with Jim, he was trying to be cool and attempted to sit back in his chair and prop his feet on the conference room table. He lost his balance, hit the picture behind him and almost fell out of his seat. I laughed out loud, but he didn't miss a beat. I was warned about Jim before I took the job, warned that he was a hard charger and had a reputation, but I never found him to be anything but loyal and fiercely protective of his people. His personality was so bombastic I can hardly believe he is gone. I offer my deepest condolences to the family, may you be blessed during this time of sadness.

a loved one

Sent Flowers

H Mills Gallivan

November 8, 2016

On behalf of the Federation of Defense & Corporate Counsel we send our deepest condolences to Nancy and all of the family. You are in our thoughts and prayres. Jim was a fine lawyer and a great guy; we will miss him.
H. Mills Gallivan
President FDCC

Giovanna Charlery

November 8, 2016

Deepest Sympathy to the Ebanks family my thoughts and prayers are with you. May God bless you and comfort you.

a loved one

Sent Flowers

Sylvia Salazar

November 8, 2016

My heartfelt prayers , May the Lord's peace surround family and friends.
RIP.

Gina Andrews

November 7, 2016

Jim had the best stories! My favorite story was about the loss of his 4-wheeler after a big flood at his hunting lease. He found it days later in the top of some trees.

The Col.™

November 7, 2016

My most heartfelt sympathies along with my thoughts and prayers are with the entire Ebanks family during this difficult time.

Hold tight to your memories for comfort, lean on your friends and God for strength because when someone you love becomes a memory, the memory becomes a treasure and your treasure is now God's new angel in heaven that will help him watch over you.

November 7, 2016

To the family sorry for our loss. I hope the promise at 1 Thessalonians 4:14 can bring comfort.

L.S.

Debi Garza

November 7, 2016

Jim will be greatly missed. I pray Jesus will wrap you all in his embrace, and give you comfort. May Jim rest in peace.

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