Joseph Robert Banks, Jr., former District Director of Customs for the U.S. Virgin Islands, died Thursday, January 25, 2001 at the Roy L. Schneider Hospital in St. Thomas.
Visitation and Funeral Mass for Mr. Joseph R. Banks, Jr. will be held Wednesday, January 31, 2001.
12:00 – 1:00 P.M. Visitation at John Thomas Memorial Chapel, 39A Contant, St. Thomas.
1:30 P.M. Funeral Mass at Saints Peter & Paul Roman Catholic Cathedral, 22-AB Kronprindsens Gade, Charlotte Amalie.
The family has requested, in lieu of flowers, that contributions be made out to "Holy Family Building Fund" in Memory of Joseph R. Banks, Jr. Mail contributions to: The Holy Family Parish, P.O. Box 502218, St. Thomas, U.S.V.I. 00805-2218.
Mr. Banks was recognized globally for his extraordinary achievements in the United States Customs Service. His directorship in Customs was the pinnacle of a distinguished 40-year career with the United States Federal Government.
Mr. Banks received numerous accolades throughout his career. Among his most cherished, was a letter from the late Governor Cyril E. King. In Gov. King's words, "Your contribution to this community is priceless and immeasurable. You can be proud of the fact that your record of service is one which our future generations could emulate."
In 1993, long after his retirement, Mr. Banks was flown from his home in St. Thomas to Washington, D.C., where U.S. Customs Commissioner George Weise presented him with the Independence Medal of Honor; a special commendation to acknowledge a select group of former Customs managers who have left the Service, but who are still remembered for their sustained career performance and accomplishments.
Joseph R. Banks, Jr. is survived by his wife, Charlotte of St. Thomas, U.S.V.I.; brother James and wife Mary of Port Charlotte, Florida; Joseph and Charlotte's children and step-children: Patricia Edminston and Angelina May of New York; Jo-Robin Dodwell of Maryland; Joseph R. Banks III and wife Naziree of London, England; Yolanda L. Ricks, Esq. and husband Steven J. Ricks of Chicago, Illinois; and, Todd A. Cox and wife Patty of Jacksonville, Florida; grandchildren and great-grandchildren; nieces and nephews; and a very special inner circle of close friends.
Mr. Banks is preceded in death by his mother and father, Joseph R. Banks, Sr. and Emma Warrick Banks; Sisters Ulma, Theodocia, Esther, Emma and Francis; and brothers Ralph and Edward.
