James "Jim" P. Wilbanks

James “Jim” Paul Wilbanks, 69, of Gentry, Arkansas passed away Saturday, September 23, 2023, at the Siloam Springs Regional Hospital.

Jim was born on December 28, 1953, in Albuquerque, New Mexico. He was the son of Paul Wilbanks and Martha Dean Collins Wilbanks. He married Marie B Wind Perlick on March 12, 1993, in Fort Walton Beach, Florida.

Jim enlisted in the United States Air Force in March of 1972 and served with honor until his retirement as a Tech Sergeant in March of 1992, having served in the Vietnam War and the first Gulf War.  After his retirement Jim tried his hands at several endeavors including owning and operating a Dive shop in Florida, working for Office Depot in Georgia and then working for Fagan’s Hardware after moving to Gentry. Jim held a Bachelor of Science in Telecommunications Management.

Jim was very involved and active in The American Legion, holding several offices including being recently elected as National Executive Committeeman for the Sons of the Legion, Arkansas Detachment Adjutant of the Sons of the Legion, Department of Arkansas District 1 Commander, Londagin – Hardcastle Post 159 Gentry Adjutant, Siloam Sons of the Legion Squadron 29 Adjutant, and Past Commander of Siloam Post 29. He also had been active with the Sagar Creek Arts Center building sets and working with sound.

He is survived by his wife, Marie Wilbanks of the home; his mother, Martha Dean Wilbanks of Towne Lake, GA; one son, Jason (Jena) Wilbanks of Portales, NM; one daughter, Karla (Mike) Kahler of Benton, TX; three step sons, Carl (Jennifer) Fogger of Jefferson, NC, Edward (Claire) Perlick of Miramar, CA, and Joseph Zelk of Gentry, AR: one step daughter, Teresa Widrick of South Weber, Utah; one brother, Richard Wilbanks of Lubbock, TX; one sister, Anita (Mike) Dodd of Canton, GA; nineteen grandchildren and multiple nieces, nephews, cousins and in-laws.

Visitation will be held at the Victory Missionary Baptist Church in Gentry on Friday, September 29, 2023, from 10:00 am to 11:30 am. Funeral service will follow immediately after the visitation, with Pastor Bill Sheffield officiating and military honors. Private interment to follow at a later date.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Londagin-Hardcastle Post 159, P.O. Box 1159 Gentry, AR 72734 or to The American Legion Charities Be The One, https://mylegion.org/PersonifyEbusiness/give.