Rankin: James David,
Peacefully at Simcoe Manor Nursing Home Beeton, on June 2, 2024. James Rankin in his 88th year, beloved husband of Barbara Rankin (nee: Hall). Loving father of Ginny Preston (John Josephson), and Laura Czovek (Art). Dear grandfather of Mitchell (Steph), Daniel (Jessica), and great grandfather to Rowan. Predeceased by his sister Margaret Clark (the late Morley). Forever in the hearts of his nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends. Predeceased by his loving dogs Arthur and Pimmy.
Jim Rankin ended his journey with us on June 2, 2024, peacefully and surrounded by family. He is lovingly remembered by his wife Barbara (the love of his life), daughters Ginny and Laura and grandsons Mitchell and Daniel. Jim was vibrant, passionate and energetic – a man who embraced life. A dedicated educator, Jim built a career as a teacher and vice principal with Wellington County. He inspired and motivated countless students who, not only admired and liked him, but continue to praise him to this day. His favourite place was, undoubtedly, the family cottage. He spent many summers there, taking the boat out on Ahmic Lake, swimming and, of course, golfing every morning. He and Barb were seasoned travellers who made it to every destination on their bucket list, including touring Europe, cruising around South America and hiking through Machu Pichu. When Barb and Jim were not able to travel one year, they set out to walk all the streets of Guelph – another goal they accomplished together. Always an active man, Jim had a passion for running, completing a total of 19 marathons in places such as Boston, Toronto, Washington, Detroit and New York. Not just an average fan, he also set out on a quest to visit every city in which his beloved Blue Jays played a game. His enthusiasm for the team and his joy in their games never wavered. Jim will be missed by so many. Remembered as a fascinating, fun and incredible man by his former students, many friends and all of his extended family.
Arrangements entrusted to Rod Abrams Funeral Home. Cremation has taken place. For those who wish, donations in James’ memory to Simcoe Manor Beeton “Palliative Care” or Sick Kids would be appreciated. Online condolences and memories may be left for the family at www.RodAbramsFuneralHome.com.
M.G Newsome says
Mr. Rankin was one of my teachers many years ago. I have fond memories of him and his marathon stories, always told with passion and joy! Death is a cruelty of life, I pray over time your memories bring more smiles than tears! He was a kind soul ! ❤️
Lois McRae says
Condolences to Barb, Ginny, Laura and family from Lois McRae (& family), a longtime friend of Jim and Barb’s
Joan Smith says
Dear Ginny and Laura, and Barb,
We are so very sorry for your loss. My sister, Bev, and I have so many fond memories of our cousin, Jimmy. Bev remembers the thrill she got when he took her for a ride on his new motorcycle. I remember Jim and Morley tossing me about in Lake Erie when I was a little girl. We both remember family dinners at our parents’ house, when Jim would pile his plate high with mashed potatoes, then bore a hole through the top of the pile, and pour gravy all over it! He was hugely energetic and passionate – especially about those Jays – with a great sense of humour. A very kind man who will be missed.
Sincerely,
Joan Smith (and Beverley Ryce)
Katheriine Rankin says
Dear Barb, Ginny, and Laura,
Please accept my sincere condolences on Jim’s passing. I always remember him fondly as a very funny, good natured man. As the youngest of the four Rankin cousins (Margaret, Jim, John, Katherine), Jim was very “cool”. I remember a family gathering on Edgemont St. in Hamilton to wish Jim well and send him off to teachers’ college in northern Ontario. I remember him introducing the family to his beautiful girlfriend, Barb. I’m sure his accomplishments were many, and the greatest has to be his wonderful daughters.
Fondly,
Katherine
Les and Valerie Clark says
I was sad to here that my favorite uncle passed away . I will always remember the times he spend with me playing baseball or teaching me to sail . He had a great sense of humor. He will be sadly missed by me and Val.
John Rankin says
When Ginny called to tell me that Jim has passed away I was sad but also thankful. Thankful that after the remarkable life that Ginny and Laura so beautifully described in their obit, Jim was at peace. Thankful for having had him in my life.
However, I struggle as I write this piece. How can I possibly express how important Jim was to me, my mother and father and the Rankin family?
Jim was named after my dad James Rankin, Jim’s father George’s young brother.
My dad adored his big brother and was forever proud of his namesake, Jim.
When George died Jim was only fifteen. My dad and he became as close as father and son and I was blessed with a big brother.
He became my role model. I was amazed at his sports knowledge, his northern adventures, his Sunbeam Alpine sports car and his beautiful bride.
Even as I grew up and began my own adult life, he continued to influence me. My first car was an MGB and I took up marathoning. Although I never came close to qualifying for Boston or matching Jim’s finishing times.
I was never so proud as when we’d be at a social event and Jim would introduce me as his cousin John and brag about my latest of career endeavors. It was incredibly important to me to have the respect of this remarkable man.
I loved and respected my dad James tremendously. While he passed away in 1990, I always had his namesake Jim to remind me of his great sense of fun, decency, love of family and deep respect for others. I have now lost them both.
Two incredibly accomplished men who in their modesty never understood how many lives they enriched.
John Rankin
Eileen Renton says
Dear Barb, Jenny and Laura,
My heartfelt condolences to you at this difficult time.
I have so many happy memories of the “ATANG’ group socializing and travelling together over the years.
Thinking of you.
Eileen Renton
Mark clark says
Uncle Jim will definitely be missed for his love of his family and the closeness he always had with his sister Marg and Morley.He was always very active in his life and loved all his sports.
He will be missed
Mark & Linda
Cindy Kusins Windsor says
My deepest condolences to the Rankin Family.
Cindy Kusins on Ahmic Lake
Melissa Jelicic says
Sending our most sincere condolences to you. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.
James Miller says
We are very saddened to learn of Jim’s passing. Always a fun guy to play a round of golf with.
Jim and Shirley Miller
Joanna Rosemary Purdie says
Barb,Ginny and family.
I was saddened to read that “Mr Rankin” has passed away. Please know you are all in my thoughts at this difficult time. During our many appointments over the last 35 years Jim would tell me about his world travels with his beloved Barb, his cottage adventures, update me on his latest trek to see the Toronto Blue Jays or US college football (he would always say Barb wanted to go and dragged him along) and I always looked forward to his and Barbs visits. I know he lived a very full and rewarding life and as a teacher was respected by his students and peers and I am sure you are all so proud to have such an accomplished and wonderful Dad/Grandfather and I know he was so proud of you all in return. He will certainly be missed.
Joanna RDH Woolwich Dental Group
Mary says
My heartfelt condolences to Rankin family.
May good Lord shield you and strengthen you all.Until then, when the trumpet shall sound , you will be reunited with your beloved one.Always find solace in his able hands,may the void left behind be filled by God.
Bob Robinson says
I will always remember the runs and races with Jim. I first remember Jim teaching my brother in grade 5 at St. George’s Elementary school in Guelph. I was in grade 2 at the time. That made him feel old back in 1979. We did lose touch after he retired but he was never forgotten. My condolences to the Rankin family.
Colleen McKerry says
Laura and Ginny / Barbara and family,
Please know I am thinking of you all as you come to terms with Jim’s passing.
Such a full life Jim had and he accomplished so much both on a personal level and with family.
Jim now has a bird’s eye view and I’m sure he is looking upon his family and friends with such love, admiration and thankfulness.❤️
My condolences,
Colleen McKerry
LARRY LACEY says
Barb, Ginny and Laura I was saddened to hear of Jim’s passing. I just loved working, hanging out and being around Jim. He and Barb had an amazing circle of friends. As a young teacher Jim was my Guelph parent. He took good care of me when we worked together at Elora and Rockwood. He talked so lovingly about his family and friends. I had the pleasure of meeting so many of Jim’s family and friends over the years.
Jim and I travelled to the Boston Marathon together. I was there to cheer him on and enjoy a great trip. What a talented runner!!! He lived life to the fullest. Great athlete, husband, father, brother, grandfather , uncle, friend , and poker player.
I learned about Pearl Harbour day, boating on Ahmic Lake and visting Leaf’s captain George Armstrong, and meeting his childhood buddy (name escapes me) up at the cottage. He included me in his circle.
Jim helped make his students and staff better people. Until we meet again, Love you Jim!!!
Rosa says
You are in my thoughts and prayers ❤️
Ranjith RN says
Heartful condolence.