James E Rankin

Kokomo — James (“Jim”) Edward Rankin, 90, died on Tuesday, December 20, 2016 at Waterford Place Assisted Living in Kokomo, IN.

He is survived by his loving wife of 29 years, Leona (Hearne) Rankin; daughters Barbara (Barry) Price, Claudia (Robert) Van Noy, and Linda Waters; eight grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren with another due in the spring. Jim is also survived by nine stepchildren.

Born in Kent, OH as one of nine children, he was the son of Glenn and Gertrude (Dixon) Rankin and a resident of both Indiana and Florida during his long and active life.

Jim spent many of his formative years as a resident of the Indiana Soldiers and Sailors Children’s Home in Knightstown, IN. After graduating from Morton Memorial High School, he joined the U.S. Air Force and served in World War II and the Korean War.

Jim attended Ball State University and earned his bachelor’s degree. His career was spent working in finance at the Chevrolet Truck Body Plant in Indianapolis, IN, where he worked until retiring in 1984.

During his life, Jim was an accomplished athlete: a star pole vaulter; a skilled basketball and tennis player; an avid golfer; and a fierce ping-pong and card game player as well.

He was a proud and loving father. Jim will be remembered for his dry and quick wit, his ability to illicit a chuckle, his optimistic outlook, and his analytical approach to life and problem solving.

The family wishes to thank the staff at Waterford Health Campus and Serenity Hospice for their kindness, care, and support.

A memorial service will be held on Thursday, Dec. 22 at 3 PM at Sunset Memory Garden Funeral Home.