JAMES BANKS (O-Zhaa-Wish-Gobii-Taan)

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of a wonderful father, Papa, and friend.
James Banks passed away peacefully on Thursday, Sept. 20, 2012 with his family by his side.
James was born on Friday, April 8, 1932 to the late Irene Potson and Sonny Morrisseau.
He was predeceased by his best friend, Ruth Bruyere, and her children, Lindsay, Craig, Robin, and Lucille; and his brothers and sisters, Archie, Sonny, Wayne, Mary, and Rose.
James is survived by his daughter, Jackie (Sean) DeBenedet and their children, Olivia, Matthew, and Ashley (Derek). He also is survived by his step-children, Gary (Mandy), Joan, Julie (Don), Richard (Marlis), Lorraine (Jergen), Dean (Peggy), and Louanne; his sister, Nancy Jones; and brother, George Potson.
Papa has 17 grandchildren, 24 great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandson.
Jim loved all of his children and grandchildren as his own, and his love was unconditional.
Jim was a self-taught man. He taught us how to be humble, honest, and, most importantly, kind. He was proud of all of us and always was there for advice and kind words.
Jim was an Elder, and was greatly respected and loved by all. He had a wonderful sense of humour and always appreciated a good joke.
His favourite pastime was spent at his home on the lake, where he spent countless hours living the good life. He passed on teachings of hunting and fishing to his kids and grandkids, and always came home with amusing stories, especially when he had to go looking for one of the hunters who somehow managed to get lost, again.
For one winter, Ruth and Jim lived at the Cascades, where their children will tell you it was the best Christmas they ever had.
A memorial service will be held Wednesday, Sept. 26, 2012 at 11 a.m. at the multi-use facility on Couchiching First Nation.
The honourary pallbearers will be Allan Calder, Bill Mosbeck, Jane and Kevin Elliott, Ernie Jones, and Bill Wayash.
In memoriam donations may be made to the Fort Frances Minor Hockey Association, P.O. Box 306, Fort Frances, Ont. P9A 3M7 or c/o Green Funeral Home, P.O. Box 427, Fort Frances, Ont., P9A 3M8.
Online condolences may offered at www.greenfuneralhomefortfrances.com