James Milton Banks

James M. "Jimmy" Banks, 68, of North Little Rock died at home on Wednesday, August 15, 2012, after a courageous battle with ALS. Jimmy was born in Washington, D.C., on July 31, 1944. He was a member of Bible Baptist Church. He served in the U.S. Air Force, and met his wife Gale while stationed at Jacksonville Air Force Base. Jimmy's early career was as an Engineer for the Rock Island Railroad, and he served as a regional manager for Protection Services, where he worked for 27 years. He was a generous and loyal friend, and many came to him for advice and support, knowing he was always there. Jimmy was relentless about his pursuit of happiness, and was always at play. He could be found making deals at a gun show, riding his Harley, scuba diving, snake hunting, getting a new tattoo, or betting the horses at Oaklawn...always surrounded by friends. One of his last great adventures - at 62 - included a wild boar hunt, where he killed a boar bigger than him with his favorite Randall hunting knife. He was preceded in death by his parents, Ralph and Hester Banks, and his brother, Tommy. Jimmy is survived by his beloved wife of 46 years, Gale Harbison Banks, devoted children Joy and Jason, grandchildren Wade, Violet, and James, a loving extended family, and a very rich and loyal circle of friends that became family. The family wishes to extend their gratitude to Dr. Stacey Rudnicki's clinic at UAMS and the caring team at Baptist Hospice. Services will be held at Roller-Owens Funeral Home in North Little Rock on Saturday, August 18, at 2 p.m. Memorials can be made to the ALS Association of Arkansas, 1113 W. Poplar Street, Rogers, Ark. 72756 or the Disabled American Veterans, P.O. Box 14301 Cincinnati, Ohio 45290-0301. Online guestbook www.rollerfuneralhomes.com/owens.