 1957 - 2014 (56 years)
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| Name |
James Winthrop Banning |
| Born |
26 Jul 1957 |
Memphis, Tennessee, USA  |
| Gender |
Male |
| Died |
25 Feb 2014 |
| Buried |
Memorial Park Cemetery, Memphis, Shelby County, Tennessee, United States |
| Person ID |
I24002 |
Family Tree |
| Last Modified |
5 Aug 2017 |
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| Notes |
- James Winthrop Banning, 56, left us to be with his Lord and his dad on Tuesday, February 25th. Jim was a native Memphian, born at Methodist Hospital. Although he spent his grade school and high school years on the east coast in Connecticut, where he gained an appreciation of diverse perspectives and Brooks Brothers clothes, he never really left Tennessee.
Jim initially followed his parents lead and matriculated at UT, but eventually returned to his birthplace and graduated from University of Memphis.
Several years in business convinced Jim of his true calling: serving the sick and infirmed. He graduated from Baptist Hospital Nursing School and then enjoyed working in the hospital with all types of patients and in whatever ward they assigned him. Although disability cut his career short, nursing was the perfect vocation for Jim, combining an intellectual challenge with personal care and service for those needing help.
His desire to serve didn't end when his nursing career did. For many years Jim was a regular volunteer at The West Clinic, where he would patiently sit with those with critical illnesses, providing comfort and support. Jim's weekly routine also included the Neighborhood School, where he befriended and tutored kids needing a little one-on-one attention.
Jim nurtured his Christian faith as a member of First Evangelical Church, where he regularly sang in the choir. Jim was most proud of the beautiful Easter programs they produced. He was also an active participant in the men's Bible Study Fellowship at both First Evangelical and Second Presbyterian Church.
While Memphis was always home, Jim loved to travel. He never hesitated when a suggestion was made for a weekend in New York, a drive up California's Pacific Coast highway, Colorado in the middle of ski season, or any number of European destinations. His favorite trip was a Christian tour of Greece and Turkey with his church. Whether with friends, family, or even by himself, Jim loved the adventure, the sights, and the people he met along the way.
Jim was a man with a quiet spirit, a deep faith and a serving heart. While having several health issues throughout his life, Jim spent his time making the best of the lemons he was given, which was usually in a large glass of iced tea, and putting others above himself. Always smiling, always friendly, always upbeat, Jim never complained, but only thought of how he might brighten someone else's day.
Jim will be missed by his many friends. But his life will be remembered and celebrated by his mother, Mary James Banning, with whom Jim shared many of his adventures, and by Katherine Banning Lintz, his loving big sister. Jim loved visiting and traveling with Kathy, her husband Richard Lintz, and especially his niece Allison and nephew Christopher.
Jim's close family also included a special relationship with his aunt, Mary Ann Frazier, his uncle, the late Tommy Frazier, and brotherly cousins Tom, Tim, Dan, Jon and David. Along with their spouses and children, Jim was enriched in their warm and loving family environments.
There will be a private family burial at Memorial Park Cemetery, where Jim will be laid alongside his father, Clarence "Sonny" Banning, who Jim knew for only a precious short time.
A memorial service will be held at First Evangelical Church in Memphis at 1:00pm on Friday, February 28th, with a visitation following from 2:00pm to 3:00pm. Donations to the Church Health Center, First Evangelical Church, or a personally important charity would please Jim immensely.
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