November 4, 1926 – June 7, 2008
On November 4, 1926, in Red Banks, Mississippi, Miss Missouri Banks gave birth to her only beloved son, James.
Raised to be an honorable and brave man, Jim enlisted in the United States Army at the tender age of 19 years old. He served his country for three years and was honorably discharged on October 4, 1949.
Jim enjoyed life and loved the outdoors. His hobbies included fishing and rabbit hunting. He also loved animals. For the last 12 years of his life, you rarely saw Jim without his favorite pet and sidekick, Gizmo, a miniature toy poodle and Chihuahua mix.
Jim was no stranger to the kitchen. He loved to cook and entertain family and friends. He cooked big family dinners almost every weekend. After dinner with Jim, you always left with love, a smile and full belly.
In 1993, after surviving his first stroke, Jim joined the Catholic faith and became a parishioner of Blessed Teresa of Calcutta. In the years to follow, Jim continued to experience many medical setbacks. Doctors were constantly amazed at how he defied the odds. His family attributes his tenacity to his faith and will to live.
During these difficult times, his wife Alma Howard was his primary caregiver. Norma Robinson introduced Jim to Alma in 1975. They’ve been inseparable ever since and built a good and happy life together.
After many years of health struggles, Jim passed away on June 7, 2008 at Barnes-Jewish Hospital with his wife by his side. He is survived by his wife Alma and her six children, whom he helped raise from a young age to adulthood and who love him like a dad, his eight children from his first marriage, as well as many grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins and loved ones.