James D. Banos

James D. Banos, 86, of Iron Mountain, passed away on Tuesday, November 29, 2022 at his home. Jim was born January 30, 1936 in Chicago, IL, son of Greek and Swedish immigrant parents George and Elsie (Franberg) Banos. He worked as a firefighter for the City of Chicago for 13 years. While working for the fire department, he completed his high school education from Lake View evening high school class of 1966. He went on to graduate with honors from Chicago City College in 1968, earning a degree in Associate in Arts and was a member of Phi Theta Kappa honor society. On July 8, 1967 Jim married Carole Vaught of Florence, Wisconsin and the following year they left Chicago and moved to Florence to start a business selling mobile homes and snowmobiles on the property he bought from his father-in-law, Ken Vaught. In 1970 they moved their business to Iron Mountain. Jim also operated the first local health food store in Iron Mountain - the Health Hut located on Hughitt Street. In 1977 Jim built the first mini-warehouse in the area, which he operated with his wife for about 45 years. Jim was an avid reader and always had a book open – sometimes several at a time. He had an insatiable desire for knowledge and an ever seeking soul for the truth. This search led to many diverse paths including religion, politics, and law. Jim was well versed in the Constitution and the law and used that knowledge as a Pro Se in courts in Wisconsin and Michigan and the Iowa Supreme Court. He loved playing board games with his family, but especially enjoyed the game of Mille Bourne with the kids. He also enjoyed taking his family with him when he attended business conferences in different parts of the country, traveling in their motorhome from coast to coast. There wasn’t really anything Jim couldn’t fix or figure out a solution for; he was a self made jack of all trades. Jim is survived by his wife of 55 years, Carole Banos; son, Jason Banos of Detroit,MI; daughters, Kari Waise of Kingsford, MI and Holly Banos of Milwaukee, WI; four grandchildren, Madison and Lanceng Waise, and Deven and Kylie Banos; a brother-in-law, Joe Vaught, Kansas City, KS; a sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Pat and Vic Bermeo, Marco Island, FL; and several nieces and nephews. He also leaves a son, Jeff Cunningham of St Petersburg, FL. In addition to his parents, James was preceded in death by a daughter, Jayleen; his father-in-law and mother-in-law Ken and Alice Vaught; sister-in-law, Sharon Vaught; two brothers, George and Michael Banos; and one sister, Gloria Rodriguez. There will be a celebration honoring Jim's life on Saturday, February 4, 2023 at Sol Blu Lounge from 2:00 until 6:00 pm . Condolences to the family of James D. Banos may be expressed online at www.ernashfuneralhomes.com. The family has entrusted the Erickson-Rochon & Nash Funeral Home with the arrangements.

James D. Banos

January 30, 1936 - November 29, 2022