James "Jim" Banken

James “Jim” R. Banken, 72, of Montevideo, MN, passed away on February 6, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of love, laughter, and kindness. A devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend, Jim had a special way of making those around him feel valued and loved. A celebration of Jim’s life will be held on February 18, 2025, at 11:00 AM at St. Paul Lutheran in Granite Falls, MN.  Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at the church. In honor of his love for laughter, the family encourages those attending to share their favorite memories and stories of Jim.

Jim is survived by his loving wife, Janine Banken; his children, Eric Banken (fiancé Angie), Melissa Graves (Wesley), and Bobbie Bertram (Scott); and his stepchildren, Jason Bowers (special friend Jamie), Melissa Jerve (Jeremy), and Katie Fry (Steve). He was a proud grandfather to Alicia, Christine, Ellie, Colin, Chloe, Moriah, Ethyn, Aleeyah, Keyanna, Tavaris, Ava, Brevin, Julia, Mason, Chase, Hannah, Hunter, and Hayden, as well as several great-grandchildren and mother-in-law Anita Rigge. Brother-in-law Jim (Cindy) Rigge, sister-in-law Sue (Robin) Kohn, sister-in-law Kathy (John) Korthuis. 

Jim is also survived by his siblings: Bev (Lloyd) Muehlbauer, Richard (Pat) Banken, Janice (Jerome) Koosmann, Sue Heinecke, Mary Jo (Dean) Isaacson, Marilyn (Rick) Strain, and Gary (Sharon) Banken, as well as his sister-in-law Linda Banken. He also leaves behind many beloved nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Ted Sr. and Marie Banken; his brothers, Ted (Phyllis) Banken and Greg Banken; his sisters, Nancy (Ron) Bruer and Cheryl Banken; his brother-in-law, Jeff Heinecke, father-in-law Vernon Rigge, mother-in-law Adeline Hanson and father-in-law Alvin Hanson. 

Jim had a deep love for his family and made it a priority to ensure those around him knew how much they were cherished. He found joy in traveling, taking motorcycle trips, and spending time with his faithful dog, Leo. His sense of humor, kindness, and thoughtfulness made him someone people naturally gravitated toward. He had a gift for making others smile, and his warmth will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

Though his absence leaves a deep void, Jim’s spirit will live on in the love he shared, the joy he brought, and the memories that will be treasured forever.