James M. Bannister Sr. 84 of 503 Main Street Newberry died Tuesday June 24 2003 at the Newberry County Memorial Hospital.Mr. Bannister was born on December 8 1918 in Newberry County a son of the late Jim and Maude Caldwell Bannister. He was a veteran of the U. S. Army having served in World War II. He was a retired Building Contractor and also retired from Newberry Mills with over 40 years of services. He was involved in the Boy Scouts and Cub Scouts for over 35 years.Mr. Bannister was a member of O'Neal United Methodist Church Men's Bible Class and a former member of the administrative board. He was a member of Amity Masonic Lodge #87 a member of the Newberry York Rite Bodies and a member of Hejaz Shrine Temple.Mr. Bannister is survived by his wife Mary Frances Kinard Bannister of the home; a son and daughter-in-law Bob and Janice Bannister of Newberry; a sister Frances B. Danielsen of Newberry; a brother Roy Bannister of Little Mountain; six grandchildren Clark Bannister Ashley Bannister Jim Bannister Brett Bannister Mark Bannister and Brian Bannister; three great-grandchildren Hanna Bannister Daniel Bannister and Mary Catherine Bannister. He was predeceased by a son James M. Bannister Jr.Funeral services for James M. Bannister will be conducted at 2:00 P. M. Thursday at O'Neal Street United Methodist Church by the Rev. Kem Thomas. Entombment will be in Newberry Memorial Gardens.Visitation will be from 6:30 to 8:00 P. M. Wednesday at the Whitaker Funeral Home.Memorials may be made to O'Neal Street United Methodist Church 511 O'Neal Street Newberry SC 29108Messages to the family may be sent via email to notes@whitakerfuneralhome.com.Whitaker Funeral Home 1704 College Street Newberry SC is assisting the family.