1964 - 2017
Visitation
November 17, 20179:30 AM - 11:30 AM
Dolan Funeral Home
Funeral
November 17, 201712 Noon
St. John the Evangelist Church
James Richard Banyas Jr., 53, of North Hampton, NH passed away Sunday, November 12, 2017 at Exeter Hospital in New Hampshire.
Born in Lowell, MA, he was the son of James Banyas Sr. and the late Marlene Banyas of Westford, MA. He graduated from Tyngsboro High School with the class of 1982 and went on to attend UMass Lowell for Accounting and Business Management.
Jim was involved in the antique business his entire career which started as a hobby with his mom. He was a scuba diver in his younger years at Lake Winnipesaukee, a gardener, and a beekeeper. He enjoyed living a simple life, loved the idea of sustainability and animals. He raised chickens and kept a garden every year.
He loved running and was a longtime active member of the Winners Circle Running Club.
He fixed up a beach house and enjoyed the ocean. He was an “old soul” who enjoyed old music and history. He was athletic and especially talented in hockey.
He was formerly a member of St. John the Evangelist Church of Chelmsford, MA, though he continued to practice his faith.
Besides his father, he is survived by his two daughters, Ashley Banyas of Lincoln, NH and Kate Banyas of Meredith, NH; a sister, Vanessa Banyas of Westford, MA; a nephew, Michael Andrew Banyas, and many aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.
Visiting hours Fri. 9:30 A.M. to 11:30 A.M. Funeral Fri. at 11:30 A.M from the DOLAN FUNERAL HOME 106 MIDDLESEX ST. CHELMSFORD, with a funeral Mass at 12 P.M. at St. John the Evangelist Church in Chelmsford, MA. Memorials may be made in his name to Maudslay State Park, 74 Curzon Mill Rd. Newburyport, MA 01950. ARRANGEMENTS BY DOLAN FUNERAL HOME 978-251-4041.
Bob and Carol Inniss
| #
We will always remember Jimmy as a good neighbor and friend. He was a great kid growing up. He has always been willing to help out a friend
and anyone in need. Our deepest condolences to Jim Sr and Vanessa and family, you are in our thoughts and prayers.
Bob & Carol
Phillip leo
| #
Growing up in the neighborhood with Jimmy was always a great time,he will be missed!
Brian McCue
| #
Jimmy is the last person I’d ever thought I’d be writing my condolences to his family for. Total sadness and disbelief.
My condolences to Big Jim, his daughters, and sister Vanessa. I can only imagine the sense of loss you have all felt these past couple of year.
I met Jimmy up at Lake Winnipesaukee when we were teenagers. We became friends and attended college together. He was also a member of my wedding party.
Jimmy, as his obituary stated, was indeed an “old soul” which made him a unique friend. I remember riding along somewhere with him listening to Frank Sinatra sing “My Way” and “New York, New York” and wondering to myself if he was going to start smoking a cigar – he did!
He was definitely a mature guy ahead of his age.
He was one of the most sophisticated guys I knew. He had an easy way of relating to people and could easily strike up a conversation with people. It was fun to hang out with him.
He adored his family very much. He would always try to get me to eat this Armenian dish made with meat wrapped in grape leaves that his mom made all the while telling me how she was the greatest cook in the world. His parents were very special to him.
Regrettably we lost touch over the past 20+ years. I had always wanted to drop him a line to see how he was doing or what he was up to.
I’m still in shock and disbelief.
My prayers for Jimmy and his family.
Billy Quinn
| #
To Jim Senior and Vanessa. My sincere condolences.Jimmy was always on the lookout for things I had interest in,like old motorcycle stuff.I still have most of it! Jimmy was a “Picker” before picker was a household name!He had an infectious smile too.We once pulled a 1939 NASH out of back central with my ramp truck,it was there 50 years. I’m surely gonna miss him ! Godspeed Jim B. Billy Quinn Stony Brook Auto Body
The Dufords
| #
The Dufords, owners of the Winner’s Circle, wish to convey their deepest sympathies to the Banyas family. May he rest in peace.
Roger, Ron and Jerry Duford
Walter & Rosemary Razzaboni
| #
We are so sorry to read of Jimmy’s passing, what a great person. we enjoyed many fine Sunday’s at his beach house. I worked with Jim at Groton for a short time. Our condolences to the family. Walt & Rosie
Bruce Illsley
| #
Went all through grade school and HS with Jimmy, he was always enjoyable to be around. Have many memories of him laughing and making the rest of us laugh. My deepest condolences to his family, praying for you as you try to adjust to life without him in it but with the greatest memories of him.
Laurie
| #
Our thoughts and prayers are with family and friends. You will be missed. Laurie and Doug Patenaude
Tracy Brodeur MacDonald
| #
I am very saddened to hear of Jim’s passing. He was a good friend of mine all throughout school and he will be sorely missed.
Lisa DeCarteret Hood
| #
I am so sorry, and sad to hear of Jimmy’s passing. My deepest sympathy to the Banyas family.
Joe and Lisa Adamaitis
| #
We met Jimmy on the beach, out in front of his little cottage in 2000. That day, we learned about his easy-going style and about seaglass hunting. We are so sad about what happened, but we will cherish the memories we have of him. Sending thoughts and prayers especially to Ashley and Kate – we know he loved you so much. No matter where you are, he’ll always be with you.
Steve Burke
| #
So very sad to hear another Banyan has passed., Having met Marlene,Jim and Vanessa, Ive got to know you all and glad I had that opportunity to do so.So very sorry to all for your loss, wsy to young, May he RIP
Dr. Steven Reinfurt
| #
Greetings Jim wherever this note finds you on your eternal journey…
I learned of your passing actually on your birthday from Ashley while she and I were working at Loon Resort this past winter. On that tender morning, her tears of missing you…simply said…love is stronger than death. In offering a hug of condolence, I humbly excepted a birthday dad hug ment for you. In doing so, I felt your endearing presence and approval from beyond the vail. Later she would share a painting showing she had done showing a deep heart connection between you both. In short, her creativity is exceptional! On the last day of the ski season, Ashley left on Loon’s south summit a large picture in chalk of a turtle’s seascape including your precious sea glass of red, yellow and blue. It said for all the world to see…”To DAD, Sea you next season. Love, Ashley.”
Shortly thereafter, I meet your precious Kate when they both came to my home to meet my wife and view my art studio. As a dad of two daughters (38 & 40) you too were deeply blessed with remarkable daughters. Both are individually unique as well as their bond in adult sisterhood has now been taken to the next level while navigating the missing of your smile’s embrace. Kate’s tenderness for nature and caring about our precious planet is obvious by what she does daily and how she shares it with others, especially children. I would really love to someday take one of her nature courses as she teaches from the heart.
But then my friend…you already knew this, but hey it’s “Happy Father’s Day!” So from one dad to another thank you for how your two children have blessed my life. If they ever need anything they know I’d be honored to assist on your behalf.
We both know there are no real goodbyes, but only until next we meet. Until then, I wish peace to your entire family as you are obviously missed by many.
God bless and continue to love always and then some,
Steve