Where are they now? Banker shares life stories

The following was published July 16, 2016.

One of Shelbyville’s most wellknown businessmen, Jack Banker, reminisced this week on his life in and out of Shelbyville. From the former insurance broker’s favorite childhood memories to his current favorite pastimes, Banker told the story of what he describes as a very fortunate life.

Banker shared that playing outside with neighbors was one of his favorite childhood memories.

“Back in those days, we didn’t have troubles in our neighborhood,” Banker said. “We were able to play under the street light at night without fear.”

The children that lived on the same street as Banker stayed within a distance of five houses, playing hide and seek and other outdoor games.

Banker also shared that two older girls taught him to ride a bicycle when he was a child.

“Of course, I fell down once and got a scar on my knee,” Banker said. “But that’s okay.”

As Banker grew up, he married and wanted to work in insurance just like his father. He attended Indiana Business College and began to work with insurance in Indianapolis and later with his father.

However, in 1952, Banker was drafted into the Army. He and his wife, Lois, spent two years in Virginia as he did strenuous typing work for the military. They lived in a trailer during the time.

“There were other military couples living in trailers around us,” Banker said. “We got to know them and played cards every once and awhile.”

The Bankers moved back to Indiana once his time in the military was up. They lived with each spouse’s parents as they built a house on McKay Road. Banker and his wife adopted two children, a girl and a boy.

Once Banker was out of the Army, he went back to work with his father, as he still had his insurance and real estate license. Banker has his real estate license hanging up on a wall in his home.

Throughout the years, Banker moved around buildings and agencies but kept up with his work and is now noted to be one of Shelbyville’s best businessmen.

Banker has been a regular First Methodist churchgoer since 1943, and was a part of the Boys Club board of directors. He also received a lifetime achievement award from the Association, of which Banker is quite proud.

Now, the Bankers reside in Ashford Place senior community.

Since Banker cut back on insurance work, he has more time for leisurely activities.

“My wife and I belong to the Athletic Club,” Banker said. “I try to go at least three times a week.”

Banker also enjoys visiting downtown for coffee, going to church, watching television, and of course, reading Saturday Shelby.

“Like I said, I’m pretty fortunate,” Banker said, when thinking about his life in Shelbyville.