Stan
Stan



Bankston Boyz Racing Remembers James “Redeye” Goodson

3/20/45 – 8/28/10

Part



30 August 2010- Terry, MS – I was sitting at home this Sunday morning after returning from church, with my wife and daughter watching Mickey Mouse Clubhouse when I received a phone call from former Bankston Boyz driver John DeFlorian, Jr. I could tell by the tone of his voice that something was amiss and I wasn’t sure what it was. John did not beat around the bush and just came out and said that “Redeye” had passed away in his sleep from an apparent heart attack. He died in Chicago while visiting family for a reunion at the age of 65. John has always made small talk with me when we spoke at the onset of our conversations before we ever got to the gist of things and I found his delivery of this news somewhat out of character.

James Goodson was as proud a man as they come and I could tell this the very first time I met him some 8 – 10 years ago at a local track in Hattiesburg, MS. As I walked through the pits with the NHRA attitude I noticed crew members with oil and grease all over them with dirt under their nails with the exception of one man, Redeye. As I recall, here was a fairly large man with crisp pants on and nice shoes, along with a pressed shirt and was wearing a wide brimmed straw hat. An ensemble put together with care that was topped off with a big fat stogie in the corner of his mouth and topped off with some Elvis sunglasses to make everything snap, Redeye. Anyone that knew Ole Red can attest to his attention to detail in his dress.

It seems so cliché to say that first impressions are everything, but in this instance this holds true. The way a person carries and presents himself speaks more than words to me because it provides a glimpse into some of the values and character of that person. James Goodson was such a man and he brought this to the table at Bankston Boyz Racing. As time passed and some of his issues with his gout and other age related ailments arose he played through the pain and even took the ridicule form others with a grain of salt.

After years of hard work Redeye got the privilege to enjoy an ADRL national event win along with Stan Allen and Michael Bankston and crew last year in March at Houston, TX for his 64th birthday! I think the most special thing about this win was all the hard work put in by all crew members to include his son Innis Goodson. I can’t think of anything that would make me more proud than to enjoy a national stage with my son at my side!



I am going to remember more of the lessons and values of “Redeye” the man for quite some time to come and will try to implement this into my daily life. We all know you will be riding along with us when we roll into Rockingham, NC for Dragstock VII in a few weeks and we hope to make you proud as we ride in your honor.

To the Goodson family, I would like to personally thank you for allowing me to meet and interact and spend time with such a good, nice, and playful man. We are all going to miss him and he will forever be remembered here at Bankston Boyz Racing.


I am sure that all of crew here at Bankston Boyz Racing has their personal stories and memories of ole Redeye. Thanks to all of our fans, the ADRL racing family, and our sponsors who have contacted us with their condolences and support during this time. We have a seat for you in one of the baddest Pro-Mods in the world, Redeye, and we expect you to ride along when we show up to the Rock! God Bless and God Speed Redeye, we love and miss you.




Deepest Sympathies to the entire Goodson family…

Regards,

Mark Teague