Jake Banks, Jr.

For those who knew Jake Banks, Jr., they knew that faith was the most important component in his life. Not so much by the words he shared about his faith, but by the way in which he lived his life each and every day. Jake was a man of unwavering strength, great integrity, and steadfast courage that was hard to miss. As much as he was known for his strength, however, he was also known for both his kind and tender heart, and for his deep love for those he treasured most. Jake was a successful businessman who worked hard throughout his life. With a life that spanned many decades, Jake significantly impacted the hearts and lives of those within his reach.

The twenties were a vibrant time in America as the prosperity fueled by innovation and technological advancements left people looking to enjoy life a little. They had fun during their free time doing things such as taking in a baseball game or a Broadway show, and others threw parties or participated in grueling dance marathons in hopes of winning a generous cash prize. It was during this exciting time that Jake, Sr. and Edna (Woodhouse) Banks welcomed the healthy birth of their son, Jake F., Jr. on April 8, 1927. Jake was born in Bloomingdale, Michigan, where his father worked for a local gas station while his mother stayed home as a homemaker. He attended local schools including Plainwell High School. Jake’s high school years were filled with more than just time spent focused on his studies. He also worked at the local paper mill, and enlisted in the United States Navy. Jake’s military affiliation allowed him to graduate early when he became part of the class of 1945.

With his formal education behind him, life took Jake down a few different paths throughout the next few years. He fulfilled his time in the service over a period of a couple of years. Soon after he returned to civilian life, Jake married a woman who would forever change the course of his life. Her name was Ardith Black, and they were introduced by some friends. After dating for a time, Jake and Ardith were married on November 28, 1947. Although this marriage later ended in divorce, Jake was forever thankful for the children that resulted from their union, Jake, III, Rod, and Stacey. By the early sixties, Jake decided he was ready to be his own boss, and he started Jake’s Auto and Tire Service in Plainwell. Jake continued to own and operate this business until 1987.

Life greatly changed for Jake later in life. On March 10, 1990, he was delighted to marry Elaine Powell, which also brought two step-children into his life. It was also a bit later in life that Jake was thrilled to become a grandfather to six grandchildren: Erin, Donnie, Ryan, Brittany, Kathy, and Dustin. One of Jake’s favorite things to do was to spoil this younger generation, and it was so easy for him to do as well. He always said that if he knew having grandchildren was so much fun, he would have done that first! It was so easy to see that spending time with his family in any way always topped Jake’s list.

When he was blessed with some leisure time, there were a variety of interests that Jake pursued. He enjoyed woodworking, fishing, and golfing just as often as he could. He also loved going for drives around Michigan, especially during the fall season when the leaves are in all their colorful majesty. When it came to food, Jake’s favorite treat would most certainly be peanut brittle.

With a heart that fully encompassed his family, Jake Banks, Jr. was a deeply loving man who viewed his greatest role to be that of grandfather. He was also a spiritual man whose faith provided him with both peace and joy throughout his life. Jake will be remembered as a man of strength who always carried himself with integrity. He lived a long life that spanned times of war and times of peace, times of plenty and times of want, which all worked together to shape the remarkable man who was treasured by so many. Jake will be dearly missed and warmly remembered by those he leaves behind.

Jake F. Banks, Jr. of Plainwell died on Tuesday, January 19, 2010. Jake was preceded in death by his son Rod Banks in 1983. Jake’s family includes his wife, Elaine; two children: Jake F. (Patricia) Banks, III of Plainwell; Stacey (Philip) Tuckey, of VA; two stepchildren: Donald (Sue) Powell, of Centreville; and Gregory (Linda) Powell, of Otsego; and six grandchildren: Erin, Donnie, Ryan, Brittany, Kathy, and Dustin. The family will receive friends on Friday, starting at 10 a.m. until the time of the service at the Life Story Funeral Home, 120 S. Woodhams, Plainwell (685-5881). Funeral services will be held on Friday at 11 a.m. at the same location. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com, where you can sign his memory book online before coming to the funeral home, leave a favorite memory or photo, or make a memorial donation to the Kairos Dwelling, Sisters of St. Joseph, or Martin United Methodist Church food pantry.