Jefferson James Willbanks
Jefferson James "Jeff" Willbanks, was born on October 31, 1938, to John and Velma Willbanks in Prairie Grove, Arkansas. He passed away on November 2,2017 in Porterville, California at the age of 79.
Jeff moved with his family at the age of 5 years old to Tulare County and remained there until his death. He was a kind and generous man with a smile that could light up the room. He was loved and respected by all who knew him. He worked in several different jobs during his lifetime including jobs in agriculture where he worked alongside his father and brothers. His final job was at the State Hospital in Porterville where he worked in the Laundry Department and drove truck for the facility. He served as a cook in the National Guard from June 1957 to October 1963 when he was honorably discharged.
Jeff was preceded in death by his parents, John and Velma Willbanks of Porterville, his brothers Creighton of Turlock, Darrell of Kingsburg and Larry of Porterville. He was also preceded in death by his sons Vance and Kenneth of Porterville and his spouses Peggy and Janny of Porterville.
He is survived by his loving wife of 26 years Kathy of Porterville, his daughters Helen Davis of Taylors, South Carolina, Sheila Hevle of Hanford, Darla Willbanks of Porterville, and Dawna Finley of Howe Texas, Kelly Teeter of Bakersfield and Barbara Moore of Arkansas. He is also survived by 31 grandchildren and 16 great grandchildren and his sister and brother-in-law Sandy and Charles Iacono of Tulare. He leaves behind as well many extended family members including several nieces, nephews and cousins and friends who he loved like family.
Services will be held Tuesday November 7,2017 at 12:00pm at the Porterville Funeral and Cremation Chapel.
"Don't weep for me, my mind and body can finally rest .in peace. I'll be waiting for you on the other side."
In lieu of flowers please donate to your favorite charity of choice or to the Huntington's Disease Society of America, SOS Eight Avenue #902, New York, NY 10018. To sign Jeffs online register book or leave a message of condolence, please visit www.portervillefuneral.com. For additional information contact Porterville Funeral & Cremation Center, 76S W. Henderson Ave., Porterville. (559)784-6485.