James E. Rankin, 84, of rural Bradford, Illinois, went home to his heavenly Father, on July 12, 2016. He was born in La Prairie Township, Illinois on September 24, 1931.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Mamie Rankin, his wife, Wanda (McKeever) Rankin, and his brother, Bob Rankin. Surviving are his sister-in-law Eileen (George) Hallman, brother-in-law Paul McKeever, many nieces and nephews, and first cousin Laura Jean Risk of Madison, Indiana.
Jim was an Army veteran, serving in Germany. He retired from Compaction America (formerly Hyster) in Kewanee, Illinois. He was a member of First Baptist Church of Bradford. He loved bowling, reading, walking, gardening and the Chicago Cubs.
A memorial service will be held at a later date. Burial will be in the Osceola Grove Cemetery in Illinois. Memorial gifts may be given to the First Baptist Church of Bradford or the Bradford Rescue Squad. Thank-you to Vista Springs in Holland for the care he received and the many new friends he made over the last six months.
