James G. Banman, 88, of North Newton, Kansas, formerly Denver and Centennial, Colorado, died on December 9, 2023.
He was born in Hillsboro, Kansas, in 1935 and was raised in Lehigh, Kansas, where his parents operated an IGA grocery and locker business. Jim attended Bethel College in North Newton, Kansas, and graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Journalism from the University of Kansas in 1958. He worked many years at the copy desk of The Denver Post. After earning a Master of Business Administration from the University of Colorado in 1972, Jim led the Human Resources department at The Denver Post from 1974 until his retirement in 1998.
Jim was preceded in death by the love of his life, Judith Coover, and his parents Jacob F. and Marie (Wedel) Banman, his twin sisters, Luanna and Arlena Banman, and brother, Lowell Banman. He is survived by his son Steve (Sandra) Banman, Susan (Riccardo) Banman Sileci, and Christine (Polly) Banman; 5 grandchildren: Allison (Albino) Quinoñes, Craig Banman, Audrey Sileci, Natalie (Jonah) Sileci Mills, and Jacob Schattel. He had four great-grandchildren.
Jim served as board member and president of the nonprofit Mennonite House Development Corp. for 40 years, volunteered with Seniors, Inc., Denver’s aquarium, The Wildlife Experience, and Four Mile Historic Park, where Jim was a docent and board member. In Newton, Jim volunteered at the Warkentin House.
Jim’s memorial service is at 1:30 PM, January 7, 2024, at the Kidron Bethel Village chapel in North Newton, Kansas. Donations to Four Mile Historic House in Denver, Colorado, would be greatly appreciated.