James Carl Banks, age 73, of Hobart passed away Thursday, April 30, 2015, at home surrounded by his loving family. James was born May 23, 1941 in Burdine, Kentucky to the late Lawrence O. Banks and Jeannette (nee Stiltoner) Griffith. On September 11, 1971 James married the love of his life Bernadette Torchia. He worked as a steel worker at Inland Steel prior to his retirement in 1998. James was a member of Grace Baptist Church in Calumet Township, Indiana and enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren, lawn mower repair, snowmobiling, and helping anyone who needs it. He will be remembered for his huge sense of humor and raising his grandchildren.

James is survived by wife; Bernadette (nee Torchia) Banks of Hobart, three children; Rebecca J. (Robbie) Stone of Hobart, James L. (Merlene) Banks of Hobart and Matthew C. (Theresa) Banks of Oak Creek, Wisconsin, four grandchildren; Alexandria , Robert , Madelyn and James Eugene, three siblings; Donnie Banks of Jacksonville, Florida, Jerry (Ginny) Banks of Ocala, Florida and Carol (Scott) Braswell of Denver, Colorado, several nieces and nephews and other loving family members and friends.
James was preceded in death by his parents.
In lieu of flowers donations to St. Jude's Hospital would be appreciated.
Funeral services will be at 2:00 p.m. Sunday, May 3, 2015 at Rees Funeral Home, 600 W. Old Ridge Road Hobart, Indiana 46342. Cremation will follow. Visitation will be Saturday May 2, 2015 from 2:00-8:00 pm at Rees Funeral Home. (219)942-2109 or Online condolences may be submitted at www.reesfuneralhomes.com.