James W. Rankin

James Wellington Rankin, Jr., age 72, died peacefully in his Wethersfield home on January 10, 2023, from a heart attack. James is predeceased by his parents, Ruth (James) and James W. Rankin. He is survived by his beloved son, Douglas Rankin, his daughter-in-law Stephanie and their two children - Teague James and Genevieve Lee of Los Angeles, CA. James also is survived by his former wife, Julia Rankin Morandi of Pacific Palisades, CA; his sister, Linda Underwood of Venice, FL, and his longtime companion, Elaine Coleman of Wethersfield.

Jim attended Wethersfield schools and graduated from UCONN in 1973. He went on to get an Electrical Engineering degree from the University of Hartford. Jim was an independent contractor for many years, his last years working for ACORD, an agency that served developmentally delayed citizens. He loved his work there with the committed staff and the citizens that he supported.

Jim excelled in sports as a youth with the Wethersfield Little League, Wethersfield High School Football and Basketball Teams and maintained lifelong friendships with many. In his adult years, he was an avid golfer and skier and enjoyed swimming and kayaking. He loved following sporting events of all kinds on TV.

Jim loved entertaining friends. His backyard pool was often filled on hot afternoons with friends, their children and grandchildren. He was an excellent cook and loved cooking for all. His son’s successful career as a chef was a source of great pride, second only to his love of his grandchildren.

His family will be hosting an event to celebrate his life in the coming months. Jim will be dearly missed. To keep Jim's spirit alive, enjoy a ball game, hug a loved one and do an act of kindness for a stranger. The D’Esopo Funeral Chapel, Wethersfield has been entrusted with the arrangements. To share a memory of Jim with his family, please visit www.desopofuneralchapel.com.