Sole Survivor Reflects on George Banks Massacre: ‘Fortunate to Be Alive’
James Olson, the sole survivor of the George Banks massacre, reflects on his harrowing experience 40 years after the tragic event. Banks, who passed away at age 83, shot and killed 13 people on September 25, 1982, in Luzerne County, including five of his own children.
Sole Survivor’s Story
Today, Olson, now 62, resides in Plains Township, Pennsylvania. He bears a tattoo that reads “Sole Survivor ’82,” a constant reminder of a fateful night that changed his life forever. On that early morning, Olson was at a social gathering on Schoolhouse Lane with friends when chaos erupted.
The Night of the Attack
At approximately 2:30 a.m., Olson and his girlfriend left the party. They stood in the street with two friends, unaware of the imminent danger. Suddenly, they heard what they initially thought were firecrackers. Olson recalls a man in camouflage emerging from a house, gun in hand.
As the man approached, he revealed himself to be George Banks. In a shocking moment, Bank shot one of Olson’s friends, Ray Hall. “He fell to the ground, his body flailing wildly,” Olson said. Banks then turned his gun towards Olson, threatening him directly. “You aren’t going to live long enough to tell anyone about this,” Banks proclaimed before he shot Olson at point-blank range.
Surviving the Ordeal
The bullet from Banks’ AR-15 struck Olson’s chest and exited through his torso, severely injuring him. “I was in shock,” Olson recounted, “I felt fortunate to be alive.” He spent a month in the hospital, during which he learned about the devastating loss of his friend Ray and the other victims through a television news report.
- Incident Date: September 25, 1982
- Total Victims: 13 killed, including 5 children
- Olson’s Injuries: Damaged lung, nicked heart sac, multiple organ injuries
- Hospital Stay: Approximately one month
Life After the Tragedy
After recovering from his injuries, Olson returned to work but faced challenges that led him to retire on disability. Despite the traumatic memories, Olson moved forward with his life. He married his girlfriend from that night, but they later divorced. He has two daughters—one of whom is deceased—and four grandchildren, whom he cherishes deeply.
Olson finds comfort in gardening and spending time with his family, helping him cope with the past. “It’s difficult sometimes,” he admitted. “But I’ve worked through it.” As he reflects on the night of the massacre, Olson remains grateful for his survival and the family he now has.
Through the years, Olson’s experiences have shaped his outlook on life. His story serves as a powerful reminder of resilience in the face of tragedy.
