Obituary of James David Ebanks

James David “Jim” Ebanks, age 57, born April 19, 1959 to William James Ebanks, Jr. and Eleanor Mengden Ebanks, passed away on November 6, 2016 in Houston, Texas. A native Houstonian and proud Jayhawk, Jim graduated from the University of Kansas in 1981 where he met his wife of 30 years, Nancy. Graduating from the University of Houston Law Center, Jim was admitted to the bar in 1984. Jim was the “leader of the pack” in each of his academic, professional, and leisurely pursuits. He had a brilliant mind and a strong work ethic. Board certified in Personal Injury Trial Law and Civil Trial Law, he loved the theatricality of trial and the complex pursuit of justice. He was recognized by Texas Monthly Super Lawyer for over a decade. He served as Scoutmaster for St. Cecilia’s Troop 673 for eleven years. An Eagle Scout, Jim was instrumental for dozens of young men earning the rank of Eagle, including his son, Erik. He was uncommonly skilled at taking care of others and after retiring from the position of Scoutmaster, Jim continued to contribute as a member of the Board of Directors of the Sam Houston Area Council and Chairman of Mustang District. Jim’s passions included baseball, diving, and hunting. His love for diving stems from family trips to Grand Cayman, where the Ebanks family originates. Jim is survived by his former wife, Nancy Ebanks; daughter, Diana Ebanks; son, Erik Ebanks and fiancé, Ashley Harmon; daughter, Laura Ebanks and son-in-law, Samuel Porras; daughter, Brittany Ebanks; parents, Jim and Eleanor Ebanks; brother, William Ebanks and wife, Annette; sister, Dr. Theresa Wagner and husband, Jim; sister, Kathy Pearse and husband, Wayne; and numerous nieces and nephews. A visitation with the family will begin at 6:00 p.m., with a recitation of the Holy Rosary at 7:00 p.m., on Thursday, November 10, 2016 at Joseph J. Earthman Generations, 234 Westcott Street. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m., Friday, November 11, 2016 at St. Cecilia Catholic Church, 11720 Joan of Arc in Houston, Texas, followed by a reception with the family. A private Rite of Committal will follow at Forest Park Westheimer Cemetery. For those desiring, donations may be made in Jim’s memory to the Boy Scouts of America, Sam Houston Council (<a href="http://www.samhoustonbsa.org/memorials-and-tributes">samhoustonbsa.org/memorials-and-tributes</a>) or to Houston Hospice (<a href="http://houstonhospice.org">houstonhospice.org</a>).