Celebrating the Life of
Jon Alaistair Patrick Banks
March 21, 1939 — October 27, 2022
Obituary
Jon Alaistair Patrick Banks, age 83, passed away on Thursday, October 27th, 2022, at his home in Margate, Florida. He was born on March 21st, 1939, in Jamaica. He graduated from Knox College. He married Sue Terrier in his red suit with a white cravat with red polka dots, on Valentines Day, 1976 in Orange Grove, Jamaica. His airline career started at BWIA. He subsequently flew for the Jamaica Defense Force Air Wing, then moved on to his beloved Air Jamaica, Saudi Arabian Airlines and then retired from Emirates Airlines. He was passionate about his music and enjoyed cranking up his piano, even occasionally at 3 am when the whole house was already asleep! He will be remembered as loyal, dedicated, full of integrity and fiercely protecting his family. He is survived by Sue, his wife of 46 years, his children, Samantha, Craig-Anthony and Kevin, his two grand children, Janedy and Alexa and his buddy, Jaxx, our tuxedo cat, who always laid on his chest.
Jon did not want to have a funeral. We are however, planning a Memorial for him in the near future. In the meantime, we would like to build a Memorial Wall and we are asking Family and Friends whose lives he touched, to please share as many stories and photos of memories you hold with him. As soon as we make firm arrangements for the Memorial, we will send out a notice to everyone.
Memories and Condolences
Please share a photo or video, or post a heartfelt condolence to the family.
(L-R) Robin, Bill Bynum, Juan Castro and JB.
JB leaving the aircraft after his final flight!
My memories of Jon go back to Jamaica from the moment I partnered up with Robin. Jon was very much part of Robin’s life and became part of ours. So much so that when our daughter was born he became our daughter’s Godfather. From that moment on our lives seemed to follow each other as we ventured to live in Saudi Arabia and then to the United Arab Emirates. My life was filled with beautiful music and delicious Red Peas Soup. On many occasions he came to my rescue when Robin was away. Like the time Robin was arrested in Saudi Arabia for going through a broken red traffic light. Jon came over immediately and helped me clear my house of religious material (my home was the Sunday School venue) and a sip of his special concoction to calm my nerves. He rescued me when our son over turned our car in the desert, Robin was on a flight, and accompanied me to the police station and helped me fight to keep my poor son out of jail. In the middle east there was always something going on and because of him, I knew I would be safe and have support when Robin was away. He always had a story to tell, music to play and an open door to walk through. I will so miss his smile, his laughter and his love. He made the world a better place.
Jon, Dennis and George
Jamming with JB at Dan's home
JB on the Roland
Jon & Sue
Jon & Sue
Jon & Samantha
Jon & Craig-Anthony
Jon & Kevin
Lolo Jon & Janedy
Lolo Jon & Alexa
Oh Aunt Sue , Uncle Jon really was a unique soul - he was mythical and a legend for sure, and for so many a positive influence and his joyous and curios personality will continue to ripple and inspire so many of us - myself included! Literally every time I see any kind of organ or keyboard - his memory bubbles up ! My personal love of flight ✈️ goes directly back Uncle Jon - as the first time I ever sat in a plane was with Uncle Jon! His beautiful adventurous life will forever be timeless! With love to all the Banks clan! Loui
Dear Sue, I am truly sorry to hear that Jon has died. There are so many happy memories all those years ago. I so well remember the first time meeting Jon in Flagstaff Mess and how welocming he was. I am glad that I had the opportunity to talk briefly with him a few weeks ago. Please pass on our condolences to all the family. Love from all, The Tyler Family, Hugh, Gail & Eleanor
JON BANKS… A dear friend and mentor! It is with a heavy heart that I commenced the writing of my memories of my dear friend and mentor, John Banks, better know to all simply as… JB! Even though we both attended boarding school at Knox College, high in the Clarendon mountains in central Jamaica, JB, being 11 years my senior, knew nothing of my existence! The important thing was that I knew him… and he influenced my life in unimaginable ways! Why did he get his pilot’s licence and buzz the school on several occasions? Why did he lean out of the aircraft’s window and wave to us young uns on the ground below, causing us to run out of the building and excitedly wave back at him? Why did he leave an indelible image in my brain that said… I’ve gotta fly! Simply… because he was JB, and that’s what JB did! He enjoyed life and expressed his joy openly and abundantly! It was infectious, and we loved him for it! Fast forward several years, and our paths crossed once more, but this time at the Jamaica Defence Forc
I'm so sorry to hear of Jon's passing. He was a close friend of my brother therefore I knew him from I was a child. My parents knew him well. I remember that wedding photo well, I think my parents had a copy. I remember shortly after I got married in 1977 Brian and I would go to his home to rent videos. He made his mark, and certainly will be missed by all. Condolences to Sue and the family!
Jon, Dennis and
I never had the pleasure of meeting Jon, although I have known Sue for many years. My deepest sympathies to her and the Banks family.
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