James R. Bann, 85, of Earlville, IL passed away Wednesday, March 8, 2023 at his home in Earlville, IL, surrounded by his loving family. He was born September 5, 1937 in New Baden, IL the son of James W. and Dolores (Kassebaum) Bann. He married Geri L. Pagakis on October 17, 1970 in Ottawa, IL. He was a member of St. Theresa Catholic Church in Earlville. Jim came to Earlville in 1959 to teach Chemistry and Physics at Earlville High School. In 1964 he joined the National Bank of Earlville and in 1976 he became President. Jim was also Chairman of the Board thru 2019. He was a longtime member of the Earlville Lion’s Club, former President, and founder of The Helping Hands Committee, and received the Melvin Jones Fellowship Award for service in the Lion’s Club. Jim also served the community by serving on the Earlville Library Board and Earlville School Board. He was also a member of the IL Bankers Association.
He is survived by his wife Geri; his son James John of Earlville, IL; his daughter Susan Maria (Penny) of La Crosse, WI, and his son Ryan Fitzpatrick (Jennifer) of Missoula, MT; four grandchildren, Evan, Owen, Ella and Clare; and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, five brothers, Bill, Paul, Ralph, Bob and Carl; four sisters, Gloria, Marilyn, Susan and Corrine.
Funeral Mass will be held at 10:00 a.m. Monday, March 13, 2023 at St. Theresa Catholic Church in Earlville, IL with Father Jeff Windy officiating. Burial will follow in Oakwood Memorial Park in Ottawa, IL. Visitation will be from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. Sunday, March 12, 2023 at St. Theresa Catholic Church 221 W. Union St. Earlville, IL. In Lieu of flowers memorials may be directed to Earlville Lions Club Helping Hands, Earlville Library or St. Theresa Catholic Church.
Jim has been laid to rest in the Garden of the Last Supper at Oakwood Memorial Park.