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SAN JOSE, Calif. James David Bankston, 56, passed away Sunday, Jan. 9, 2005, at his home.
James was born to Cleo and Leo Bankston on Sept. 16, 1948, in Seattle, Wash. He moved to Billings, Mont. in 1956, where he attended schools and graduated from Billings Senior High in 1967. James joined the U.S. Marine Corps and served a tour in Viet Nam, receiving a Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal and a Purple Heart. Returning from the service, James married Kris Kepler and lived in Billings with their daughter, Ralee Marie. They were divorced and he worked in Billings as an ironworker and later as a house painter. After being diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis, he moved to San Jose to receive needed medical treatment through VA. James continued to be involved with the San Jose Veterans Center and pursued his lifelong interest in computer science attending classes at DeAnza College.
James was preceded in death by a son, Daniel; his mother, Cleo Monaco; his grandparents; aunt; and uncle. Survivors include two daughters, Ralee Marie Bankston, Seattle, Wash., Lana Michelle Davis and her five children of San Jose, Calif.; his brother Terry (Elaine) Bankston; his sister Diane (Vern) Kinn; three nephews, Jason, Chad and Chris Whiteaker; and two nieces, Alicia and Angie Bankston.
To my Best Friend Jimmy,
I miss you SO much. We had a lot of good times together. I miss your visits. I miss your phone calls. I miss you.
You were and are very special to me. I pray to see you on the other side.
I love you Jimmy,
Bonnie Raitt (Lindell, Wright)
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John Armstrong
RIP, my friend. I became friends with Jim back at Lincoln Jr High and we stayed friends until he left this earth. Jim was a solid, quiet, humble, and tough guy. I hope to see you on the other side.
Richard Willkom
I was luckey enough to call Jim my friend starting a Brodwater School. We were not as close at Lincoln or Senior, but remained frends.
Maude Lyles (Magruder)
I want to honor you, James, by expresssing my gratitude for serving our country in the military and receiving a purple heart. I thank you from my heart. Then you battled MS and other things. Life can be so tough. I am sorry you died at such a young age.