Deacon James Hilbert Eubanks, Sr. June 30, 1924 – December 2, 2020
On December 2, 2020 at approximately 11:15 PM, God dispatched His Angels to take from earth to his eternal Kingdom Deacon James H. Eubanks, Sr. after a lengthy illness. At the tender age of 96, Deacon Eubanks, formally of Kimball, took his last breath in the arms of his daughter in the comfort of their home in Charleston, WV. Born in Sago, VA on June 30, 1924 as James Hilbert Brown to the late Eva Belle Brown Eubanks and was reared by his step-father Robert E. Eubanks; taking on his last name to become James Hilbert Eubanks at a very young age.
After moving to WV in 1930, Dea. Eubanks attended the McDowell County Public Schools and graduated in 1943 from the all-black Kimball High School. Upon graduation, he immediately entered the US Army and served our Country during the WWII in Okinawa, South Pacific. He was an Instrument Repairman 5th Grade Technician and received an honorable discharge in 1946. As a Veteran, he is a member of the American Legion Organization. He served as Commander of the Luther Pattern Post #36 and Vice Commander of District #6. He also served as a member of the McDowell County Draft Board during the Vietnam War Era. The oldest living & 66-year member of the Mason Lodge – Kimball #13, Dea. Eubanks has held many Local and State offices to include the Grand District Deputy. A past member of the Order of Eastern Star Marie Chapter #49 where he served as Past Worthy Patron and held the 33o Degree as a Shriner.
September 21, 1946, he married the love of his life, the late Geraldine Sword Monroe Eubanks. To this union, they birthed, adopted and raise 21 children. After serving in the US Army, Deacon began his professional career and worked in the US Steel Coalmines for 30 years (1946-1966). After which, he started working with the Council of the Southern Mountains in McDowell County serving as Director of Community Services for 42 years until his retirement in December, 2009. At the age of 85, Deacon Eubanks retired due to health reasons and move to Charleston, WV to make his home with his wife and daughter. 2012 He joined in good-standing, the Historic First Baptist Church, Charleston, WV, under the current leadership of Pastor Paul A. Dunn.
During most of his young and adult life, Deacon Eubanks was an avid fisherman, hunter, outdoorsman and camper. He loved traveling with his family, being able to go to family reunion and most of all, attending the Kimball High School National School Reunions to see is old classmates. Eubanks was a lifetime member of the Kimball High School National Alumni Association. His favorite pastime was working jigsaw puzzles, playing cards (ALL NIGHT LONG) and reading his Bible. Baptized at an early age, he remained a faithful member of Mt. Nebo Baptist Church (Norwood Addition) for over 70 years, where he was ordained and served as Head Deacon, a committed Trustee and sang in the Choir.
In the mid-90’s, Deacon was hired by the McDowell County Commission as Custodian of the World War Memorial Building in Kimball. He was one of the primary officers responsible for restoring the building back to its edifice. He assisted in raising more than $1 Million to have the first and only remaining memorial in the Country built to honor African-American Veterans of World War I. For many years, he served as a City Councilman for his hometown of Kimball.
Dea. Eubanks was proceeded in death by his wife of 70 plus years, Geraldine Sword Monroe Eubanks, two Sons – James “Jimmy” Eubanks, Jr. & Cecil “Wonze” King, Jr.; two Daughters – Regina Ann King & Demetress Eubanks-Lewis; one Grandson – Myaish D. Eubanks; his one & only Sister – Frances I. Holmes; his Parents; and several other adopted children.
He leaves to cherish his memories, 2 Sons – Aaron (Dianne) Eubanks, Sr. of Rowland Heights, CA and Paul (Rosalyn) King of Cincinnati, OH; 3 Daughters – Minister Tamara Eubanks of Charleston, WV, Norma & Sabrina King both of Cleveland, OH; Grandchildren – Jamie (Ashley) Eubanks of Princeton, WV; Antonio “Man” & Ashley King, both of Cleveland, OH; Aaron II & Britnie Eubanks, both of Rowland Heights, CA; Michael (Erina) Kim-Eubanks of San Leandro, CA; Cherise Foster Risi of Boston, MA; Derrick King, Dorothy & Andre’ Rowal and Letitia Collier. Great-Grandchildren – Jamie, Janessa, Janae, Jalen, Jasiah Eubanks, Olivia Tate, Devon Foster, Shay Eubanks, Amara & Jerena Kim-Eubanks; a special nephew who grew up with the Eubanks Family, Bishop Fred (Aiesha) Brown of Charlotte, NC. In addition, to a host of other close & adopted daughters, sons, nieces, nephews, grandkids, and many many cousins.
Funeral Services will be conducted on Friday, December 11, 2020 at Preston Funeral Home 812 Donnally Street, Charleston, WV. There will be an Open Walk-Thru Viewing from 11 AM – 1:00 PM and Homecoming Service to start promptly at 1 PM for Immediate Family. Rev. Paul A. Dunn will be the Eulogist and Bishop Fred Brown will be officiating.
Interment will be Saturday, December 12, 2020 at Restlawn Memorial Gardens Chapel, 6605 New Hope Road, Bluewell, WV. An Open Walk-Thru Viewing will take place at 11 AM – 12:00 PM followed by a Small Service to include Masonic Rights & Military Presentation.
To keep with the CDC Guidelines for both services, face covering must be worn and social distancing is required. Acknowledgements may be sent to The Eubanks Family, 613 Margaret Street, Charleston, WV 25301.
Preston Funeral Home in Charleston, WV is in charge of all arrangements for the Eubanks Family.