James J. Banker

James Joseph Banker, 62, passed away on August 7, 2023, following a long battle with interstitial lung disease he acquired while serving two tours of duty in Desert Storm in Iraq. Jimmy, also known by many as Jim, served 20 years and was honorably discharged from the U.S. Air Force on November 30, 1999. Jimmy’s service to his country was selfless and brave, following in his father’s footsteps.

He attended Thetford Elementary School and graduated from Thetford Academy in 1979. With his former wife Sherry Forward, he had three sons, Joshua Banker, Daniel Banker and Matthew Banker. Jimmy completed his basic training at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio Texas and his technical training in Illinois. He and his family navigated the service lifestyle living in Germany, Delaware, Idaho, Alaska, and Massachusetts. He loved sightseeing and taking road trips with his boys, no matter the weather. Their time in Idaho was the most special to him.

During his military career, Jimmy earned many accommodations and medals, most notably the Outstanding Service in Support of Operation Desert Storm (twice received), the Kuwait Liberation Medal, Saudi Arabia Liberation Medal, an Executive Correspondence Certificate of Recognition from the Secretary of Defense, the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award and Good Conduct, among many others.

Following his time in the service, he married Beth Maynard and worked as a civilian for Adelphia Cable, Nanocomp, Vapotherm, and most recently, Cobham Advanced Electronics in Exeter, NH. Jimmy always had a strong technical ability and mechanical aptitude which helped him excel and be relied upon in the workplace by his fellow coworkers.

Jimmy loved gardening, hunting, fishing, cutting firewood, and being outdoors. His large vegetable garden kept him busy growing vegetables for his family, friends, and co-workers. He spent many seasons with his father, brother, brother-in-law, uncles, cousins, and close friends at their hunting camp in Thetford Center, VT. Many stories were told, and memories made that will never be forgotten.

Jimmy was a very strong, caring, and loving person who had a compliment for everyone he saw. He had an uncanny ability to make people laugh, especially with the funny sounds he could make or when he would talk about aliens and unsolved mysteries. He had a passion for astronomy and undiscovered lands and loved to spend time researching and discovering. His last wish was for everyone to get along and have peace in their lives. Jimmy’s faith in Jesus Christ was exceptionally strong and knew he would spend eternity in heaven and was not afraid to tell others about his faith.

Jimmy is survived by his wife Beth, of Raymond, NH, his three sons, Joshua Banker of Lebanon, NH, Daniel Banker & Matthew Banker of Enfield, NH, his grandchildren, Hunter, Chase, Arlo, August, Charley, and Davey, his stepchildren Liz and Daniel, and step grandson Harrison. He also leaves behind his siblings Beverly Carpenter of Thetford Center, VT, Patti Dowling of Como, Colorado, Brenda Blair of West Fairlee, VT, Shawn Banker of Lee, NH and Heather Anderson, Colonel U.S. Space Force, of Colorado Springs, CO and many nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his parents, James and Dorothy Banker of Thetford, VT and by his nephew Andrew W. Carpenter and niece Amanda K. Carpenter.

SERVICES: A Memorial Service will be held on Thursday, August 17^th, 2023, at 11:00AM, at Christ Church, Episcopal, 43 Pine Street, Exeter, NH. A graveside service will immediately follow at 1:00PM at the New Hampshire State Veterans Cemetery, 110 Daniel Webster Hwy, Boscawen, NH.