Jimmy William Wilbanks, 84, of Collierville, TN passed away on November 27, 2023. Jimmy was born on March 12, 1939 in Corinth, MS. He is a 1957 graduate of Corinth High School. He served our country in the Army National Guard. After his Army service, he obtained a Bachelor’s degree in business from Mississippi State University. He was a true entrepreneur and owned many businesses throughout his life including car sales, airplane sales, and the men’s clothing store, Wilbanks and Everett in Memphis. Aviation was his life’s passion. He obtained his pilot’s license in 1975. He had certifications to fly many types of aircraft, whether it be commercial, private, or gliders. He also got his aircraft mechanic license and would refurbish planes to sell. Jimmy was also a very athletic man. He played football in high school and as an adult played basketball or racquetball daily until he was involved in a plane crash on November 20, 2000. He became known as the “miracle man” by defying the odds of his survival after the plane crash. He was told he would never walk again yet he not only walked but went on to own multiple businesses. He was a hardworking man and provider for his family. He was also a “jack of all trades” and could fix or do almost anything. Jimmy was preceded in death by his parents, Mack and Vella Wilbanks; sister, Bobbie Jean Simpson (Bill); and brother, Jerry Wayne Wilbanks. He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Kittylu Cain Wilbanks; daughter, Angie Davis (Brian); son, James Benton Wilbanks; grandchildren, Jordan Duncan (Lydia) and Lacey Duncan; brother, Johnny Mack Wilbanks (Treassa); sister, Nancy Holcomb (Gene); and sister-in-law, Gene Wilbanks. He was a loving husband, father, and grandfather and will be dearly missed by his family and all those who loved him. A celebration of life will be held at Collierville Funeral Home on Saturday, March 9, 2024 from 2-4 pm. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions be made to the Alzheimer's Association or Baptist Reynolds Hospice House in his honor.
