James Banta

James Alan Banta Sr., of South New Berlin, NY passed away unexpectedly, on January 7, 2021.  He was born October 6, 1969 in Sidney, NY, the son of Veleda Ostrander and Clifford Banta.
James graduated from Unatego Central School, Class of 1988. Following graduation James pursued a career as a truck driver. James worked at Universal Forest Products and Charles J. Husted. He married Diana Lum on January 1, 2012, in South New Berlin. They celebrated 9 years of marriage this year, and were together 15 years. James was an active fire fighter for several years. James was also a member of Rods and Relics car club. James had a great love for hot rods, especially his 1936 Ford, and could often be found in the garage building and restoring Hot Rods or cruising around the car shows and towns with his 1936 Ford.

James is preceded in death by his maternal grandparents Howard and Ruth Ostrander, paternal grandparents George and Jean Banta III and daughter April Harrington.
James is survived by his wife Diana Banta, parents, Clifford and Veleda, sister Barbara (Donald) Pierce, children, Mary Banta of South New Berlin NY, James A. Banta Jr. and Kerisha of Mt. Upton, Kelly Lopez Miliano of North Carolina, Brian Harrrington (Erin) of South New Berlin; his eleven grandchildren Coltin, Maxwell and Kara Banta, Mya Harrington, Bracey Harrington, Xzavier Lafontant, Haylee Harrington, Trea Guyer, Kiarra Harrington, Blake Johnson, Miranda Harrington and many nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins.

Calling hours will be held from 10 AM to 12 PM Thursday, January 14 at Dakin Funeral Home LP, New Berlin, NY.  A private service of remembrance will follow. Penny Harrington will officiate the ceremony. A graveside service will be in the spring for all who wish to attend.