James Fraser Rankin, 76, died Wednesday, December 22, 2010 at his home in Ripon, California, following a courageous battle with lung cancer. He leaves his wife of 52 years, Lynne Rankin; his sons Jeff Rankin and Bruce Rankin; his sisters Betty Schofield and Judith Barna; his step-mother Patricia Rankin-Koch; his grandchildren Carley Burke, Robert Rankin, William Rankin and Annie Rankin; his daughters-in-law Mary Rankin and Danine Rankin, and many close friends and relatives.
Born and raised in Seymour, Wisconsin, the son of William and Mildred Rankin, he was a resident of Ripon since 1976. After graduating from high school, Mr. Rankin served in the United States Air Force from 1952 to 1956. After leaving the Air Force, he moved out to California where he met and married Lynne Norman, his lifelong companion. The two moved back to Madison, Wisconsin, where Mr. Rankin completed his Bachelor of Science in Chemistry from the University of Wisconsin. Having had enough of the cold winters, Mr. Rankin moved back out to California, where he would remain for the rest of his life.
Mr. Rankin was a man of many interests, who lived a full and wonderful life. A pilot, farmer, avid golfer, chemist, historian, geologist, astronomer, son, husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend to all, he was truly a man of many talents. Always generous, Mr. Rankin was there for any family or friend who needed a helping hand in life. He will be remembered by his boys for his guiding hand; by his grandkids for the many Easter egg hunts, cabin trips, hidden chocolate candies, and night time golf cart rides; and by all who met him for the gleam in his eye and the humor that stayed with him until the end. His life was too short for all the things that he accomplished, and we will miss him forever.
Services will be private at this time. In lieu of flowers, please make donations in Mr. Rankin’s name to either Hospice of San Joaquin County or the American Lung Cancer Association. Arrangements by Deegan Ripon Memorial Chapel; online guest book available at www.deeganfuneralchapels.com
Born and raised in Seymour, Wisconsin, the son of William and Mildred Rankin, he was a resident of Ripon since 1976. After graduating from high school, Mr. Rankin served in the United States Air Force from 1952 to 1956. After leaving the Air Force, he moved out to California where he met and married Lynne Norman, his lifelong companion. The two moved back to Madison, Wisconsin, where Mr. Rankin completed his Bachelor of Science in Chemistry from the University of Wisconsin. Having had enough of the cold winters, Mr. Rankin moved back out to California, where he would remain for the rest of his life.
Mr. Rankin was a man of many interests, who lived a full and wonderful life. A pilot, farmer, avid golfer, chemist, historian, geologist, astronomer, son, husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend to all, he was truly a man of many talents. Always generous, Mr. Rankin was there for any family or friend who needed a helping hand in life. He will be remembered by his boys for his guiding hand; by his grandkids for the many Easter egg hunts, cabin trips, hidden chocolate candies, and night time golf cart rides; and by all who met him for the gleam in his eye and the humor that stayed with him until the end. His life was too short for all the things that he accomplished, and we will miss him forever.
Services will be private at this time. In lieu of flowers, please make donations in Mr. Rankin’s name to either Hospice of San Joaquin County or the American Lung Cancer Association. Arrangements by Deegan Ripon Memorial Chapel; online guest book available at www.deeganfuneralchapels.com
Manteca (Calif.) Bulletin
Wednesday, Jan. 5, 2010
Wednesday, Jan. 5, 2010
