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James Banks Obituary
On Saturday, June 11, 2005, beloved husband of Peggy. Loving father of Peter; grandfather of Kemberley (Harry) Beukelman, Tiffany (Daniel) Valdez, and Ashley Rivers. He is also survived by one brother, Quentin; seven great-grandchildren and a host of nieces and nephews. A memorial service will be held at The Rankin Chapel at Howard University on Thursday, June 16, 2005 at 11 a.m. Memorial contributions may be made to the St. Mary's Episcopal Church Restoration Fund, 728 23rd St., NW, Washington, DC 20037.
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Memories and Condolences
for James Banks
Bernard A. & Carolyn Johns Gray
June 8, 2025
To Jim's Family
Many residents could not image what Jim foresaw as Anacostia's future. Now that we are octogerians and his dreams have come true, we fully understand the dreams of that "old man" and his patience with our community.
Carolyn Johns Gray
June 9, 2024
To the Banks Family
James gave a large portion of his life East of the Anacostia River. It is sad that he is not here to see the fruits of his labor finally happening in this community. Remain a proud family.
Elder Carolyn Johns Gray, Garden Memorial Presbyterian Church
June 8, 2023
To Jim's family: Because of your sacrifices to allow Jim to volunteer his time and finances in the Anacostia community, his dream of his hard work has finally come to fruition. His grand and great-grandchildren have much to be proud of in their grandfather's legacy.
Carolyn Johns Gray, DC Monitors
May 1, 2022
To James' Family,
I cannot believe 7 years have gone by so quickly, especially when the name James Banks still comes up in Anacostia conversations. Many new residents did not know him, but they do know of him. You can be proud. Blessings
Timothy Barry
July 11, 2005
Jim,
I really enjoyed meeting you at your house for Passover. I will remember the the conversations we had about art and your book you and Peter had published. May you rest in peace now.
Tim Barry
L. Yvonne Moore
July 9, 2005
You are in my prayers. I enjoyed working for the Anacostia community with Mr. Bank and I will miss him
Stevan Sewell
June 22, 2005
On behalf of the Sewell family, please accept our sincere condolences.
Olivia D. Spriggs
June 19, 2005
Dear Family,
May you find strength in knowing that family and friends share your loss, and pray that you will find comfort in God's everlasting love.
Iris McConnell
June 17, 2005
Dear Peggy and Peter: I have not seen you since the book signing, things in life change so swiftly.
I wish for you and Peter and all other family members strength of our Almighty Savior, ask and He will provide you with all that you need to get thru this, and in time release all of the wonderful times to memory. To everything there is a season............ love and prayers
IRIS
Amelia (Tiny) Gormley
June 16, 2005
Peggy,
Please accept my condolences. I know we have not seen each other in many years, but I remember as a little girl how you and Jim treated my mother and I like one of the family. May God keep you and bless you.
Tiny
Suzanne Barry
June 16, 2005
Dearest Peggy and Peter,
May you find comfort in memories of your wonderful husband and father.
Fondly yours,
Suzanne Barry
Carolyn Johns Gray, President
June 15, 2005
To Jim's Family: As you mourn, we mourn with you. Jim was an Anacostia Icon, a kind, gentle and giving person. He was always there when our civic association needed him. Jim was part of the "betterment" of Anacostia. We loved and will miss him.
The Frederick Douglass Community Improvement Council
Joshua Trueheart
June 15, 2005
Jim was our neighbor for many years. I will always remember the kindness and solicitude he showed my mother in her years alone. Peggy, my heart is with you.
Zora and Walter Camp, Jr.
June 15, 2005
Dear Peggy,
Please accept our sincere condolences on the passing of your husband Jim. Though we haven't seen each other for many years, we have thought of you often.
Your Washingtonia Schuhplattler friends, Zora and Walter Camp, Jr.
Rev. Glenn N. Benson
June 15, 2005
Our deepest sympathy to the family of James Banks. He was a friend and contributor to many of our Community Outreach Ministry's programs. The congregation and community will always remember his willingness to help and work with other people. Thank you for sharing him with us. God bless you.
Garden Memorial Presbyterian Church
Mrs. Elaine Streets Johns
June 14, 2005
On behalf of the Tolsons and descending families, I send our condolences to the families of our friend James. He dedicated his life to making life better for others. He leaves a legacy of good memories.
Atty. & Mrs. Bernard A. Gray, Sr.
June 14, 2005
We, along with residents of Washington, D.C. will miss Jim and remember him for the work he did for his city, a city he loved, a people he loved. He touched and helped so many people during his life.
Ellen Funston DeFriece
June 14, 2005
I was so sorry to hear of Jim's passing. I will always remember his kindness! I will miss him.
Love,
Ellen
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