Jack Banks Jr.

Jack Banks Jr., age 78, of Joliet passed on November 19, 2024 at Silver Cross Hospital. Jack was born in Jonestown, Mississippi to Jack Banks Sr. and Eva Mae Banks (nee Taylor) on March 10, 1946.

Jack worked for many years for the Santa Fe Railroad Company and most recently retired from the Mother Theresa Home Assisted Living Facility in Lemont, IL. Jack was a man that never shied away from speaking his truth. He carried strong opinions on any manner of subjects and he was always willing to share his viewpoints. He enjoyed social gatherings throughout his life, often gathering with several friends to enjoy a cold beverage and a long conversation. Jack was a dedicated sports fan, often willing to sit and watch an NBA or NFL contest, but always rooting for his hometown Bulls and Bears. He enjoyed a large sports hat collection with many teams, themes, and colors represented. He was also fond of his grandchildren's education and had a collection of their college memorabilia.

While these details may speak to what Jack did during his life, they do not necessarily speak to who Jack was in life. Jack was a loving husband to his wife Eunice Banks (nee Cotton). The two of them were married for sixty-one years. Together, they raised their wonderful daughters here in Joliet. Jack was always very active in the life of his daughters when they were growing up. He was there to offer support and advice when needed, loved to take the family on many trips to show them just how big and beautiful this world is, and he absolutely loved to cheer his daughter’s on from the stands during their sporting endeavors. He and Eunice raised them to be strong, proud, and capable women. While they will surely miss their dad deeply, they are also so grateful to him for all that he has raised them to be and helped them achieve.

Jack was preceded in death by his parents Jack Sr. and Eva Mae,as well as his daughter Cassandra Armstrong.

He is survived by his loving wife of sixty-one years, Eunice Banks; his daughters Jackie Banks, Cherie Banks and Kisha Banks; his son-in- law Levert Armstrong Jr.; grandchildren Ashley (Russell) Fairley, Danielle Gray, Dedrick Gray, Natejah(Davonte) Gavin, Aundriana Ford, Lasandra Armstrong, and Ra’Janae Gates; and great grandchildren Jayceon Smith-Gavin, Jacai Gavin, and Jenisys Gavin. Jack is also survived by a host of cousins and extended family members. The family would also like to offer a special mention of gratitude to Jack’s best friend, William “Pop” Ford, who was always checking in with Jack throughout his illness, the bond that they shared in life was something to behold.

A Celebration of Life Visitation for Jack Banks Jr. will be held on Friday December 6, 2024 from 9:30am – 11:30am with a Chapel Service from 11:30am until 1:00pm at Tezak’s Home to Celebrate Life, 1211 Plainfield Rd. Joliet, IL 60435. Immediately following the service, all guests will be invited to travel in procession to Jack’s final resting place at Elmhurst Cemetery, 1212 E. Washington St. Joliet for a committal service in the cemetery chapel.