James B. Banks

ASHEVILLE – James B. Banks, age 84, of Asheville went to be with the Lord on Thursday, January 23, 2025.  

James was born on September 2, 1940, to the late Katherine Ward Banks and James B. Banks, Sr., in Buncombe County where he lived most of his life. He proudly served in the United States Air Force from 1959 to 1962. James met the love of his life, Linda Rogers, in 1957 at North Buncombe High School. They married in 1963 and had 2 daughters, Kay and Jennifer. 

James received his Bachelor’s Degree in Biological Science at Mars Hill College. He then began his teaching career at Haw Creek School, where he taught science for 2 years. In 1969 The National Science Foundation awarded him a grant to study at Ball State University where he received his Masters Degree. In 1971 James and his family moved to Tennessee where he was Dean of Students and Biology Teacher at the Sewanee Academy for 6 years. In 1977, the family moved home to Asheville, where James accepted the position of Biology teacher and Assistant Head Master at Christ School in Arden. He retired from Christ School in 2006 after 30 wonderful years serving and ministering to the students, faculty and staff. He continued to teach Biology to homeschool students well into retirement. James and his family have been members of Arden Presbyterian Church since 1979. At APC, he served as Deacon, Ruling Elder, Bible Study leader and Chairman of the Missions Committee, helping wherever he saw a need. In addition to being a dedicated and loving husband, father and grandfather, James enjoyed God’s creation in the forms of gardening, landscaping, camping, hiking, reading, travel and wood working. In addition to his parents, James joins his sister, Margaret Banks Cannon in heaven. 

He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Linda Rogers Banks; daughters, Kay Banks Dinkins and Jennifer Marie Banks; sister, Lenore Banks Waggoner; brother, Gerald David Banks; and grandchildren, Katie Dinkins, and Natalie Dinkins Cossio and husband Kevin.

A graveside service with military honors will be held at 2:30 pm, Tuesday, February 4, 2025, in the Veterans section of West Memorial Park, Weaverville. 

A memorial service will be held at 2:30 pm, Wednesday, February 5, 2025, at Arden Presbyterian Church, 2215 Hendersonville Road, Arden with Rev. Wes Strebeck and Rev. James Buckner officiating. The family will greet friends following the service.  

Those desiring to make a memorial contribution are encouraged to consider Arden Presbyterian Church, Faith Promise Missions in Memory of James Banks 2215 Hendersonville Rd., Arden, NC 28704.

James’s love for his Savior, family, and ever-present smile made him beloved to all that knew him.  “Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints” Psalm 116:15

West Family Funeral Services is honored to be serving the Banks family. Condolences may be offered to the family under his obituary at www.WestFamilyFuneralServices.com.