Jim Banaka 1945-2024

James Lester “Jim” Banaka, 78, of Netawaka, passed away Sunday, March 10, 2024, at Plaza West Healthcare and Rehab in Topeka.

He was born April 17, 1945, in Holton, the son of Elmer and Flora Helen (Boyer) Banaka. 

Jim graduated from Netawaka High School in 1963 and attended Highland Community College for 1½ years. He proudly served in the United States Army from 1968 to 1969 during the Vietnam War, honorably discharged ranked as SSG E-6. He served with the Army National Guard and 69th Brigade. 

Jim worked for Goodyear Tire Company from 1967 to 1997 and Sac and Fox Casino from 1997 to 2006.

He was a member of Netawaka United Methodist Church, U.S. Steel Worker Local 307 in Topeka and American Legion Post 58. Jim enjoyed poetry and painting; he was well-known locally for providing personal poems for his friends and family. 

Jim married Janet Kay Sharp on April 30, 1966, in Holton. She preceded him in death on Sept. 7, 2015, after 49 years of marriage. He was also preceded in death by his father, Elmer Banaka; his mother, Flora Helen Banaka King; a son, Bradley “Brad” Banaka; a daughter, Jerri L. Denton; two grandchildren, Logan Denton and Wyatt Shook; and a stepbrother, Donald R. King. 

Survivors include two daughters, Janelle D. Bell (Brad) in Texas and Julie A. Shook (Zane) of Carbondale; a brother, Steve A. Banaka (Marilyn) of Whiting; seven grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren. 

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Friday, March 15 at Mercer Funeral Home in Holton. Burial with military honors will follow in Netawaka Cemetery. Family will greet friends from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to the Netawaka United Methodist Church, sent in care of Mercer Funeral Home, P.O. Box 270, Holton, KS 66436. To leave a special message for the family, please visit www.mercerfuneralhomes.com

(PAID OBITUARY)