James "Jim" Odell Banks

James Odell Banks (Jim), 90, passed into eternal life on Thursday, April 16, 2020. Jim was born March 4, 1930 in Banks County, GA. He was Preceded in death by his parents, Arthur Lee Banks and Lucy Cochran Banks, and brothers, Benny and JW Banks.

Jim is survived by his wife of 65 years, Eva Leach Banks; daughter, Sandra Baell (David); two grandchildren, Greta Hill (Jonathan) and Kellie Stowe (Andrew); three great grandchildren, Isabella, Meah and Grady; brother, Harry Banks (Jan); sister, Caroldine Beck; sister-in-law Eunice Banks; and many nieces and nephews.

Jim served in the U.S. Army as an ERC engineer, stationed in Camp Polk, TX. He drove his Harley Davidson motorcycle from Texas to Georgia many times when he was on leave. Just a few of Jim’s accomplishments included a lifetime career as a master machinist which he put to use with Lockheed Martin in Atlanta working on the C-5 Galaxy Military Transport Aircraft project and the Apollo Space Shuttle program. Jim made regular blood donations through the years, donating over 13 gallons of blood. When a neighbor was diagnosed with Leukemia, he donated platelets multiple times to assist in his recovery.

Jim lived life to the fullest. He loved fishing, especially with his son-in-law, hunting with all of his dogs through the years, birdwatching, gardening and traveling all over the East Coast.

Jim was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, brother and friend. He will be dearly missed by all of his family, friends and Thompson Farm Family.

A celebration of Jim’s life will be held at a later date, once the Coronavirus restrictions have been lifted.

Services are entrusted to Lord & Stephens East, Athens, Georgia. www.lordandstephens.com.