George Jack Banks, Jr.'s Obituary
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Granted Advocacy Partners (GAP) in the name of George Banks. GAP is a nonprofit organization which supports foster children in the DFW Metroplex: https://www.standingap.com/donate
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3126 E Broad St
Mansfield, TX 76063
(682) 518-1201
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Celebrating the Life of George Jack Banks, Jr.
George Jack Banks, Jr. was born on September 12, 1940 in Greenville, a fertile cultural center located in the heart of the Mississippi Delta. The son of George Jack Banks, Sr. and Mary Idella (Wills) Banks, George was dearly loved by his parents. George’s doting older sister, Beverly June Banks, nicknamed him “Dell’s Gold Baby” because he was as precious as gold and no one was allowed to hold him.
After his parents migrated North to discover opportunities that were unavailable to them in the rural South of the era, George and his sister were primarily raised by their loving maternal grandmother, Susie Gillespie. Under her guidance, they attended the Greater Disney Chapel AME Church where he accepted Christ. From an early age, George excelled in school, demonstrating an aptitude for science and mathematics. He attended Coleman High School and was a member of both the band and choir, the genesis of his love of music. Graduating as valedictorian in 1957, his desire was to become a botanist - a surprising choice for a young man of color of those times.
George met Doris (Weeks) - the love of his youth - during those high school years, and they dated under the watchful eye of her parents Frazier and Frances Weeks, sisters Erma (Larney) and Maxine Weeks, and brothers Eddie and Samuel Weeks. After graduation, Doris attended Marycrest College in Davenport Iowa. Their romance continued by way of many, many expressive love letters, and they decided to marry in 1960.
The young couple settled in Chicago, and George worked at the U.S. Postal Service at night, while attending college during the day to further his career prospects. It was here that he met his best friend Elmer Christmas, and they remained close for more than 50 years, sharing many stories - and often heated debates - about life.
In May 1961, George and Doris welcomed Lisa Banks, a cherished daughter, and in June 1962, George Jack Banks, III (deceased), an adored son arrived. George was an attentive father who instilled his love of education into his children and sacrificed to give them the best opportunities available.
In August of 1962, George took an oath as a Police Officer to serve and protect the citizens of the great City of Chicago. His successive accomplishments during an illustrious career of more than 30 years with the Chicago Police Department include earning the ranks of Detective (1967), Sergeant (1972), and Lieutenant (1978) and being appointed to the rank of Commander (1980) – leading the Narcotics, and subsequently, the General Support Divisions. His contemporaries were often Chiefs of Police, Fire, and other Command Officers, and as a result, more than a few “interesting” poker games were played.
Concurrent with his career achievements, George’s educational attainments include a Bachelor’s degree from Roosevelt University, a Master's degree from the Illinois Institute of Technology and completion of graduate studies in Public Safety at the prestigious Traffic Institute of Northwestern University (all Chicago, IL). He was a strong believer in professional development and, as a member of NOBLE, the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives, continued to broaden his insights by networking with leaders from across the country and attending many of the organization’s conferences. He was also a longtime member of the Fraternal Order of Police.
In September of 1987 while in his office at Police Headquarters, George suffered a massive stroke. Though he had already served the citizens of Chicago for twenty-five years and was eligible for retirement, Commander Banks was eager to return to duty. After a two-month stint in the hospital and three additional months of extensive rehabilitation, a determined Commander Banks returned to full-time duty at the 6th Police District, the position from which he ultimately retired. With pride and honor, George mentored many fellow Officers, who like himself, welcomed the challenges faced in their quest for professional growth and excellence. It was in this role with the Police Department that he describes having received his greatest career satisfaction. While excellence may be a bit out of human reach, George J. Banks, Jr. served the citizens of Chicago “in hot pursuit" of that goal!
The demands of his profession took their toll and in 1988, George wed Phyliss (Morton) and welcomed two dear daughters into a blended family - Michelle Ellis (Wendel) and Yvette Williams (Wade) - whom he loved as if they were his own.
George retired from the force in 1993 and actively pursued his favorite pastime, smoking cigars. He was known to fire up his trademark Punch Rothchild’s anywhere anytime!
George proudly assumed the role of grandfather and was revered and cherished by David Fung-Cap, his “#1 grandson.” His favorite story from all his years on the Police Department was “The Day David Was Born.” Beloved grandchildren also include Brandon Haskins, Jr., Courtney Haskins, Elijah Williams, Nia Williams, and Wyndel Ellis - affectionately known as “Papa’s Mermaid” resulting from her aptitude as a swimmer.
George had great affection for his many nieces and nephews, however Cheryl Nichols was his favorite. George nicknamed her “Doobie” from the many episodes of Romper Room which he graciously watched with her when she was a child, and it has stuck for these many years.
George relocated to the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex in 2017 and continued his favorite retirement hobby. He also joined Concord Church, reigniting his faith in Jesus. Following Sunday messages, George loved to assess them and assign the Pastor a grade for homiletics (artful preaching). Frequent visits to South Dallas Café after church to enjoy some soul food which was better than “edible,” and monthly trips to the barber shop where he would shoot the breeze with the fellas, were eagerly anticipated outings. He also spent many lazy afternoons smoking cigars, listening to the Delta blues, and conversing with his buddy Derrick Falconer aka “Dude.”
Over the years, George was cared for by many talented physicians and technicians. For more than 20 years he received hemodialysis treatment – a testament to the skills of these professionals as well as his strong constitution. We will be forever indebted to his loving caregiver of 10 years, Olive Wilson, who was tenderly titled “his girlfriend,” his recent doting caregiver, Lorean Lewis, and others. We are grateful for their expertise and compassion.
Following a long battle with renal disease, George transitioned into eternity on February 25, 2020.
We, his family, honor his memory as does a host of family, friends, former police partners, colleagues, and relatives. George will be missed by those who knew and loved him, and we take solace in knowing that he is now smoking cigars in Heaven.
What’s your fondest memory of George?
What’s a lesson you learned from George?
Share a story where George's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with George you’ll never forget.
How did George make you smile?