John Paul “J.P.” Banks

John Paul “J.P.” Banks, age 65 of Gainesville, passed away on October 28, 2017 at his residence. A memorial service will be held at 2:00 pm on Wednesday, November 1, 2017 at Memorial Park North Riverside Chapel. Rev. Bruce Fields will be officiating. The family will receive friends from 1:00 until funeral hour on Wednesday, November 1, 2017 at Memorial Park North Riverside Chapel.

J.P. was born on July 2, 1952 in Griffin, Georgia to the late Bill Banks and Charlotte Eberhardt Banks.

He is preceded in death by his father and brother Mike Banks. He is survived by his mother; brother Rod Banks of Los Angeles, California; sister-in-law Willia Banks of Gainesville; nephews Rodney Franklin (Kimberly Marie) Banks, Jr., William Charlton Banks and Bob (Kirsten) Banks; niece Joy Elizabeth Banks; great-nephew Max and great-niece Ansley Banks.

J.P. was a 1971 graduate of Gainesville High School. After high school, he attended Mississippi College and the Golden Gate Theological Seminary; he was ordained as a Southern Baptist Minister. J.P. was an avid volunteer for many different community groups. He recently was the project coordinator for the Drug Free Coalition of Hall County. J.P. spent time as a volunteer with the Peace-Corp in Uzbekistan from April 2000-October 2001. While in Uzbekistan, J.P. managed a medical supply distribution program. After leaving Uzbekistan, J.P. lived in Petaluma, California and played various roles in the healthcare field. J.P. then returned to Gainesville, where he was raised, and spent the remainder of his life here. He continued to make trips to Uzbekistan throughout the years to visit his friends that he made during his time there.  J.P. always had a passion for healthcare, youth ministries and traveling.

J.P.’s personal mission in life was, “Working to make a difference.”

Online condolences can be made at www.memorialparkfuneralhomes.com. Memorial Park North Riverside Chapel is in charge of the arrangements, 989 Riverside Drive, Gainesville, Georgia 30501. 770-297-6200.