James "Jimmy" Clayton Bankston

James "Jimmy" Clayton Bankston, 80, of Barnesville, completed his earthly journey on August 4, 2026, at his home.

Jimmy was born on June 5, 1946, to William Clayton and Dorothy Butler Bankston. A lifelong resident of Barnesville, he graduated from Gordon Military High School and Gordon Military Junior College before earning a bachelor's degree in education from Georgia Southwestern University.

Jimmy devoted 30 years to educating young people in the Griffin-Spalding County School System. Beyond the classroom, he continued sharing his love of teaching and mentoring by coaching Little League baseball. He was a lifelong member of First Baptist Church of Barnesville, where he faithfully taught children's Sunday School and sang in the adult choir.

Jimmy enjoyed traveling to destinations across the country, but nothing brought him greater joy than spending time with his family. He was a kindhearted gentleman whose quiet strength, steadfast love, and unwavering presence were a blessing to his wife, children, grandchildren, and all who knew him.

He is survived by his devoted wife of 37 years, Gerry Eddleman Bankston and children, Melissa Silva (Pablo), Jesse Tennyson (Maureen), Sarah Tennyson, and Abigail Smith (Jeff). Jimmy also shared a special bond with his sister, Dee Bankston Kitchings, and his nephew, Clay (Marie, Anna and Sam) all of whom held a special place in his heart.

Affectionately known as "GrandJim," he treasured every moment spent with his grandchildren: Rod Crawford, Will Crawford, Cooper Wall, Thor Huggins, Maria Silva, Isabella Silva, David Tennyson, Brooks Tennyson, Charlotte Tennyson, Porter Smith and Camille Smith.

Whether camping, sitting around a crackling campfire, or enjoying a s'more or two, Jimmy created memories that his family will cherish for a lifetime.

A Celebration of Life will be held at First Baptist Church of Barnesville on August 11, 2026, at 12:30 p.m. The family will receive friends from 11:30 a.m. until the hour of the service. The service will be officiated by Pastor Jason Teal with interment to follow at Greenwood Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that contributions be made to First Baptist Church of Barnesville, 200 Zebulon Street, Barnesville, GA 30204, in Jimmy's memory.