Paul "PJ" Banks

PAUL "PJ" BANKS

Born on May 1, 1963, PJ grew up in Brecksville, Ohio and went on to earn two engineering degrees from The University of Akron before beginning a distinguished 25+ year career in the United States Air Force. During his military service, he flew B-52 bombers, rose to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel, and spent some of his happiest professional years as a beloved T-38 instructor pilot at Vance Air Force Base.

While stationed at Loring Air Force Base in Maine, PJ returned home to Cleveland for a night out with friends and met Michelle, who would become the love of his life. Their first date was a Bruce Springsteen concert, the beginning of a marriage filled with laughter, loyalty, adventure, and lifelong partnership. They married in 1995 and eventually returned to the Cleveland area, settling in Broadview Heights, where they raised their son Jake and daughter Erika, who, along with Michelle, were the center of PJ's world.

After active duty, PJ continued his career as a Captain for United Airlines, flying 737s out of Cleveland while also serving in the Air Force Reserves as an instructor pilot.

Above all else, PJ was loyal to his family, his friends, his work, and his church. He was the definition of a Good Guy: steady, dependable, humble, and quietly generous with his time and talents. If someone needed help, PJ never said no. He could fix or build anything and loved to teach you how to do it, as well. Always willing to lend a hand, people knew they could count on him. Many of his closest friendships began when he was a teenager and lasted his entire life, a reflection of the loyalty and steadiness that defined him throughout his life.

He loved fishing, playing golf and hardball, cold beer with friends, great scotch, Bruce Springsteen, and trips with friends and family.

He is survived by his wife Michelle; son Jake; daughter Erika; sister Jenifer (Banks) Margolis and her husband Steve; and nephews Mike and Brian. He was preceded in death by his parents, Paul and Martha Banks. He is also survived by his Mother- and Father-in-law, Dolores Brady and Mike Klima; Sisters-in-law, Christine, Danielle (Bill), and Maryann; and many nieces and nephews.

Family and Friends will be received at NOSEK-McCREERY FUNERAL HOME, 8150 BRECKSVILLE RD., BRECKSVILLE, OH 44141 on Thursday, May 14, 2026 from 3-8 p.m. PJ's Funeral Service will be held at Concordia Lutheran Church, 6705 Brecksville Rd. Independence, OH 44131 on Friday, May 15, 2026 at 10 a.m. (PLEASE MEET AT CHURCH). Interment will follow at All Saints Cemetery.

Donations in PJ's memory to Expect Miracles Foundation or Tunnel to Towers would be appreciated.

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