John and Barbara Banks

It is with great sorrow that we announce the passing of John and Barbara Banks this past December.

They were Detroit, MI natives that put down roots in Jacksonville, FL in 1975.

John was a proud veteran of the Army National Guard that protected the citizens of Detroit during the riots of 1967.  He was a graduate of the Detroit Institute of Technology with a degree in Business Administration.  John started his life in Florida selling water softeners but quickly began his lifelong career in sales and logistics in the trucking industry.  He retired from AAA Cooper after 38 years.  John also spent many years involved with various Barbershop Choruses which he truly loved.  He was also very proud of his completion of the Gate River Run.  John was a social butterfly and retirement did not suit him so he began working at the Atlantic Beach Country Club.  Unfortunately, he had to stop working because of the Covid threat.  Without a doubt, John was the nicest person with the biggest and brightest smile that would light up a room.  He was never one to forget a special day....send a card, make a phone call, bring donuts or flowers  He enjoyed playing golf and spending time with family and the many, many friends he made along the way.  

Barbara had a lifelong love of swimming and lettered in high school.  She was also quite an avid reader and crossword lover.  She graduated from the University of Michigan with a Bachelor of Arts and degrees in English, French, Spanish, and Library Arts.  Barbara's calling was that of a teacher.  Her teaching career began in the inner city of Detroit.  After moving to Jacksonville, she taught briefly at St Marks Episcopal then moved to Chappell where she gained many lifelong friends which included fellow teachers and students.  After their children graduated from Chappell, Barbara transferred to Bishop Kenny High School where she retired as the head of the language department after 16 years.  She adored the many trips she accompanied with her students to Europe.  As with John, the idleness of retirement was not to be.  Barbara began as a volunteer with the Duval County library system where she taught English as a Second Language.  Even after she was no longer able to teach in the library she held classes in her home.  Her favorite time of year was the potluck.  She will always be Mrs. B to so many.

Both John and Barbara encouraged their children to participate in extracurricular activities and were always supportive and cheered them on.  They provided a safe, loving home with many fabulous memories as a family.  

So, 63 years after Barbara stalked John at the gas station where he was an attendant and after 59 years of marriage they are now enjoying eternity together.

John and Barbara are survived by their children, Michael and Colleen, their grandchildren, Britnie, Seth, and Chase, and John's brother, Ken.  

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, March 23, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. in Unity Church located at 634 Lomax St., Jacksonville, Florida 32204. A reception to follow.