FALKNER, JAMES MONROE (1891~1971) James Monroe Falkner, Banking Commissioner of Texas, was born on August 2, 1891, in Garden Valley, Texas to A. J. and Missouri Browning Falkner. In the early 1920s, Falkner began working for the Texas Department of Banking, where he spent nearly 50 years. The last 23 years of his service were spent as Commissioner. As Commissioner, Falkner served under five governors beginning on September 13, 1947. Under his tenure, the number of state banks grew from 431 to 638 and deposits grew from $1 billion to over $7 billion. The Department was also recognized as one of the four most effective banking departments in the United States. On June 30, 1970, Falkner retired. He passed away on April 8, 1971. Two days later, he was buried in the Texas State Cemetery. Information obtained from the Texas Department of Banking and from death certificate.