Person Record

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1 of 1977 Jay Banks

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Name

Banks, E. J. "Jay"

Othernames

Jay Banks
E.J. Banks
E.J. "Jay" Banks

Born

04/22/1912

Birthplace

near Munday, Texas

Places of residence

Kent County
Jack County
Graham, Texas
Dallas, Texas
Garland, Texas

Father

John Banks

Mother

Julia Banks

Education

Girard High School 1930

Notes

Highway Patrolman 1938-1947
Enlisted Company "B" Texas Rangers September 1, 1947
Promoted Sergeant September 1, 1955
Promoted Captain September 1, 1957
Resigned March 10, 1960

Served with the United States Coast Guard during WWII as an SP1. Served as a Texas Highway Patrolman for 9 years. Served as a Texas Ranger from September 1, 1947 until March 10, 1960. Retired at Captain of Company B. Served as Police Chief of Big Spring, Texas from 1960-1971. Then as Police Chief of Palestine and Gladewater, Tx.

Jay Banks was one of the best known Rangers of his time. He had gained national exposure and a bit of celebrity in 1956 when he appeared on national television on The Today Show, Name That Tune, and What’s My Line. In 1957, along with fellow Rangers Johnny Klevenhagen and Jim Ray, he had personally brought an end to the murderous career of the mad-dog killer Gene Paul Norris and his partner Bill Mumphrey. He was reportedly the model for the 'Texas Rangers of Today' statue that was installed at Love Field airport in Dallas in 1963. He passed away in 1987.

Occupation

Constable, Jack County, 1937-1938
Highway Patrol 1938-1947
Coast Guard 1942-1945
Texas Ranger 1947-1960
Police Chief, Big Springs, Palestine, Gladewater
Consultant, Southern Methodist University