A prominent philanthropist, popular golf captain and proud Scouser was laid to rest this week after dying at the age of 84.  

Jim Banks was born in Birkenhead the elder of two brothers. He and his family moved to Watford when he was just five years old but he retained lasting memories of his hometown and the ferry across the Mersey, and remained a Liverpool FC supporter his entire life.

He was an Old Fullerian having attended Watford Boys Grammar School, gaining his school certificate in 1949.

He maintained a lifetime connection with the school though, firstly as master of its masonic lodge and continuing thereafter as its director of ceremonies.

Jim and his wife Myra were married in 1959 and lived in Croxley Green all their married lives, latterly in Durrants Drive.

As captain of West Herts Golf Club in 1975, Jim played a prominent role in club affairs and was a mentor to subsequent captains up until his death.

Watford Observer:

He was exceedingly well respected, particularly for his sharp intellect and considerable business acumen. He set a good example, always smartly attired he represented the golf club as one of their finest ambassadors.

In his heyday he was a single figure player and was extremely successful, gaining many club honours over a 39-year period.

He was also a guiding light with the then West Herts Artisan Section up until its integration with the mother club in 2000.

He was president and captain of the West Watford Golf Society - a philanthropic group which, through golf, regularly raised tens of thousands of pounds for local charities, the Watford Hospice being a grateful major recipient.

In his work as the society almoner, Jim Banks guided and directed funding to those most in need. Several thousand pound were provided to a local Down’s syndrome charity - just one among many whose needs were great.

Before his retirement, Jim had been the managing director of local company Russell Electrical Supplies, which he joined in 1953 after leaving the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers.

During his tenure as managing director, the firm won a top prize in the innovation category of the Hertfordshire Business Awards, also winning first prize in the quality innovations category.

He achieved national prominence as president of the Electrical Wholesalers Federation, a position he was elected to twice, once in 1985 and again in 1992.

His former work colleagues say they were happy to have him as a boss as he was always ready to help anyone who found themselves in difficulty, and they fondly remember him.

His passing will be mourned by many in the town whose lives he touched during his lifetime.

He was the much beloved husband of Myra, father to Erica and Joanne, and grandfather to Laura and Chelsea. His brother Tony now lives in Auckland, New Zealand.