Obituary of James Harvey Banks

ROCHESTER, NY – January 15, 2024- US Air Force Veteran Mr. James Harvey Banks, 90, laid down his working tools on January 15, 2024, and passed away peacefully at home in Victor, NY. James was born September 26, 1933, to Charles Wilfred and Cora Lee Una (née Harvey) Banks in Glen Ridge, New Jersey. He was educated in New York City School Public Schools. At age 17 James enlisted in the U. S. Air Force and served for 20 years. As a decorated veteran Technical Sergeant Banks was a skilled electrician and telephone maintenance specialist. During his career he travelled the world with the Air Force Tops In Blue Band as a singer, comedian and Master of Ceremonies. Known as “Mr. Kicks” he won countless national competitions, featured on international radio, and sang for foreign dignitaries, royalty, and international recording artists. While completing his military career James earned an Associates degree in Mortuary Science from Miami-Dade College and Bachelor of Science degree from SUNY Brockport. He retired from the Air Force and worked as a mortician and licensed funeral director at Walter B. Cook (NYC), (Hattiesburg, MS), and Millard E. Latimer in Rochester NY. He began a career as a letter carrier for the U.S. Postal Service and retired from the downtown Rochester Branch. Bro. Banks was a long-time member of Fidelity Lodge #97 F & A.M. He was highly involved in helping new members learn rites and progress through the degrees of freemasonry. Mr. Banks was a faithful member of Christian Friendship Missionary Baptist Church in Henrietta NY where he led the music department as the bass guitarist, vocalist, and music educator. James loved traveling with a host of friends to Las Vagas and cities throughout the world. He was predeceased in death by his parents, loving wife Dolly Rebecca Woods Banks, son James Gerry Banks, and brother William Henry Charles Banks. He is survived by his two children, Bishop Dale Harvey (Sr. Pastor Rose) Perkins-Banks of Laurel MD, and Dr. LeNetta Una (Eric) Williams of Montgomery AL; Grandchildren: Taniqwa (Jacob) Smith OF NYC, Dale (Kara) Banks, Erika (Bryan) Buchanan of Laurel, MD, Isaiah Gabriel, Eric, Kendall and Morgan Williams, and Lydia Ford of Montgomery, AL; Great grandchildren: Leah Smith of NYC, Autumn and Hailey Buchanan of Laurel, MD; Sister: Mary Ann Johnson of Milton DE. Nephews: Gregory Banks, Leonard (Jane) Birdsall, David Birdsall, and Donald (Dessa) Birdsall of NYC. Cousins: William Oliver and Gloria Jean Oliver of East Orange NJ. Masonic Ceremony & Viewing will be held Friday, January 26 from 10:00 – 11:00 AM at White Haven Memorial Park, All Seasons Chapel, 210 Marsh Road, Pittsford, NY. The Funeral Service to Celebrate his life will Immediately follow at 11:00 AM. Interment and Reception White Haven Memorial Park, Pittsford, NY.