James Bernard Savoy, Jr. (Banks) at the age of 87 departed this life on Thursday, December 17, 2009 at Civista Medical Center in La Plata, Maryland. He was born on September 23, 1922 to the late James B. Savoy, Sr. and Elizabeth Redysie Proctor Savoy-Hurd.

James was the last surviving sibling of his five brothers: John, George, Burnie, David Savoy, and James Hurd and five sisters: Mary Brent Fambro, Susie Queen, Rose Thompson, Francis Thompson and Agnes Proctor.

Banks, as he was more affectionately called, married Clara Margaret (Yates) Savoy in 1944. She preceded him in death in 1992. From this union, three children were born.

He was educated in the Charles County School System, served in the United States Navy and retired from the Naval Ordinance Station in Indian Head, Maryland after 34 years of government service. Banks was a member of the American Legion, Randolph Furey Post #170, Knights of St. John Commandery #309 and the Loyal Sportsmen Social Club. He was a long time member of St. Ignatius Catholic Church on Chapel Point Road in Port Tobacco, Maryland.

He enjoyed watching sports, boating, the water, the outdoors, gardening, traveling with family and friends and bowling. He was a member of the Knights of St. John Bowling League. He especially loved spending time with friends and family, especially with his grandson, BJ.

James leaves to cherish his memory three children, Gloria, Priscilla, Bernard and wife, Diane; grandson, Bernard Jr., (BJ); stepdaughter, Lillian Yates-Watson and her three children; Yolanda Yates-Humphries and husband, Clinton; Arcadiao Watson and wife, Demetrauis; and Toledo Kelly and husband, Dontrell. He will also be missed by a host of beloved nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends.

Viewing, 8 to 9:30am, Knights of St. John Commandery #309 La Plata, Maryland and the American Legion, Randolph Furey Post #170, Pomonkey, Maryland, Service, 9:30am to 9:50am, Mass of Christian Burial , 10am Tuesday, December 22 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 201 St. Mary's Avenue, La Plata, Maryland. Interment, St. Ignatius Catholic Church Cemetery, Chapel Point, Maryland.

Arrangements entrusted to Thornton Funeral Home, P.A., Indian Head, Maryland.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to: Morgan State University, Southern Maryland Alumni Chapter Scholarship Fund (MSUSMAC) P. O. Box 1409, Waldorf, MD 20604