James A. Bankey, 89, of Cygnet, Ohio passed away August 27, 2025. He was born July 18, 1936, in Gibsonburg, Ohio to the late Gilbert and Gertrude (Myers) Bankey.
Jim was a 1955 graduate of Napoleon High School where he played football and ran track. He was a member of Christ United Methodist Church in Portage, Ohio. A member of the Masonic Lodge #561 in North Baltimore, Ohio for over 60 years, Jim earned a 32nd degree within the Scottish Rite.
Jim enjoyed spending time gardening, canning and attending the Wood County Fair where his canned entries won numerous Best of Class ribbons over many years. He never missed a high school class reunion. His greatest joy came from the time he spent with family and friends. Jim especially liked having an early morning breakfast with friends.
Jim is survived by his son James A. (Brenda) Bankey II of Bowling Green, Ohio; daughters Maribeth (Dustin) Tyson of Luckey, Ohio and Melanie (Phillip) Davis of Wayne, Ohio; brothers Robert Travis and Richard Bankey; sisters Donna Burdue and Judy Gibson; grandchildren Alecia (Rob) Laurent, Serena Tyson (Kevin) Newport, and Leslee Davis (Andrew) Wong; great-grandchildren Maggie Laurent, P. J. Laurent, Will Laurent, Fleur Wong, Peyton Newport, Tyson James Newport, and Nora Wong; step granddaughter Amanda Davis (Jarred) Myers; step-great-grandchildren Amelia Myers and Delaney Myers; and step-great-great-grandchild Braxton Solether.
Jim was preceded in death by his parents; his first wife Margaret (Laws) Bankey, the mother of his children to whom he was married until her death in 1989; his second wife of 33 years, Elaine (Hoffman) Bankey; 3 brothers and 2 sisters.
A visitation for Jim will be held on Thursday September 4, 2025, from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at Dunn Funeral Home located in the Historical District of Bowling Green, Ohio at 408 W. Wooster St. His funeral service will be held on Friday September 5, 2025, at 10:30 a.m. at Christ United Methodist Church located at 301 W. Main St. Portage, Ohio. Pastor Roseanne Kalinowski will officiate. Interment will follow at the Mt. Zion Cemetery located just south of the corner of Bays and Reynolds Roads, which is approximately 5 miles southwest of Wayne, Ohio.
Memorial contributions may be given to Christ United Methodist Church.
To share an online condolence or fond memory with the family please visit www.dunnfuneralhome.com.
