Andrew James Bankhead, always known as AJ, died from a heart attack in the early morning hours of July 23, 2025, at 43 years old.

AJ was born to Philip and Rhonda Bankhead on February 7, 1982. He soon became a loving big brother to Elizabeth and then to Melissa, who both miss him deeply. As a child, AJ was always determined. Whether big or small, he worked tirelessly to meet his goals—even as a little boy learning to whistle. Nothing could fluster him. His calm and easygoing personality served him well throughout his life.

AJ's childhood took him from Utah to Washington state, where he started school, and then later to Tigard, Oregon, where he graduated high school in 2000. He always had a natural curiosity for electronics and computer games, and could talk about Radio Shack gadgets longer than his family cared to listen to. He was an Eagle Scout, a water polo player, and a loyal friend who kept close bonds with high school friends throughout the rest of his life.

Music became an important part of AJ's life. His rich, deep bass voice caught the attention of his high school choir teacher. She encouraged him to seek out private voice lessons, a goal he funded with an early morning paper route. At Brigham Young University, he auditioned for the Men's Chorus but was placed in the more advanced Concert Choir, where he performed for four years and consistently won the "Lowest Note" award. He also loved playing the piano. Outside of music, he found joy in skiing, woodworking, and sketching.

While attending BYU, AJ met his sister's vivacious roommate, Emily Jones. They fell in love and were married in 2005 in the Mt. Timpanogos Utah Temple in a ceremony performed by his 84-year-old grandfather. The newlyweds started their life together with love, humor, and faith. By 2009 when AJ graduated with a degree in Exercise Sciences, they were raising twin boys and a third son. Their daughter joined the family a few years later.

After college, AJ pursued a career in the U.S. Navy, receiving his commission in 2010. Over the course of his distinguished service, he served aboard four ships: the USS McFaul (Communications Officer), USS Zumwalt (Anti-Submarine Warfare Officer), USS Montgomery (Combat Systems Officer), and USS Omaha (Operations Officer). He also held shore assignments with Commander Destroyer Squadron 1, Surface Warfare Officer School (SWOS), and most recently as Senior Instructor and ITT Department Head at the Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) Training Facility. He had recently been selected for promotion and was posthumously advanced to the rank of Commander. Everyone who worked with AJ in the Navy respected him for his intelligence and professionalism, but mostly because he treated people as individuals, not just as sailors or subordinates. He led with empathy and integrity while bringing humor and humanity into even the most high-stress environments.

Though AJ was deployed often—including a year when he was home for only 42 days—he stayed closely connected to his family. He wasn't much for talking on the phone, but he poured his heart into beautifully written emails, filled with love for his family, and especially for his wife. Emily was his favorite person, and he was her favorite goofball. They were completely in love through every day of their marriage. It was wholehearted and deeply rooted, with no regrets or any words left unspoken.

When AJ was working, he worked hard. But when he was home, he treasured family time. From playing board games, card games, and computer games to discussing physics, calculus, and the universe over dinner, it only mattered to him that they were doing it together. He loved screaming on roller coasters with his kids. He laughed at family dinners while everyone speculated over hypothetical situations of the universe, and challenged his kids to think about things from new perspectives. He cherished the times he and Emily could lead their family together in evening family prayers and scripture study. He found joy in every single part of being a husband and dad, and he was so loved by his family in return.

AJ was an active and devoted member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints throughout his life. He served a two-year mission in Antofagasta, Chile, and remained fluent in Spanish. Throughout his life, he served in many church callings, including teacher and chorister in Primary (the children's ministry program), Cub Scout leader, and repeatedly as a Young Men's advisor. Naturally, he sang in the ward choir wherever he lived—because music was in his soul. But his favorite calling was that of eternal companion to Emily and forever father to his children.

AJ is survived by his wife Emily; their children Drew, JT, Isaac, and Lily Jo; his parents Philip and Rhonda Bankhead; his sisters Elizabeth (David) Fillmore and Melissa (Bryan) Wright; his grandmother Teresa Russon; and many nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held Wednesday, August 6, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at the Imperial Beach Ward chapel of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (1515 Elder Avenue, San Diego, CA). A viewing will be held at the chapel from 10:00 to 10:45 a.m.

A graveside service with military honors will follow on Thursday, August 7, 2025, at 1:15 p.m. at Miramar National Cemetery (5795 Nobel Drive, San Diego, CA). Please arrive by 12:45 p.m.