James Paul Banta ’77, 57, devoted husband and father, passed away at home on July 27, 2012, surrounded by his family. Born on Feb. 4, 1955, Banta was the eldest son of Thomas and Rosemary Banta of Memphis, Tenn. A graduate of Davidson, Banta worked in the sports information office and discovered his lifelong passion. A graduate student at University of Oregon at Eugene, he met and fell in love with his wife of 28 years, Judy Andrews, 13217 SW 63rd Pl., Portland, OR 97219-8071. They settled in the Portland area to raise their three sons, Christopher, Tommy, and Peter. Banta enthusiastically coached Lake Oswego Little League teams. As president of OSE Productions, Inc., he consulted for Triathlon America and Running U.S.A. He created the Adidas Oregon Track Classic. Banta is also survived by his mother, and siblings, Peter, Sarah, and Manon. Banta will be remembered for his integrity, idealism, and his persistent coaching of sports teams from his living room chair.
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