James Stanley Rankins, Sr.
James Stanley Rankins, Sr. (Jim to his friends), 74, of Signal Mountain, Tennessee, passed into the arms of his loving father on Monday, March 17, 2025.
Jim was born in Kokomo, In., on Oct. 5, 1950, to Frank and Mary. Enjoying the camaraderie of three brothers and two sisters, he grew up as a middle child in a large family in the small town of Hemlock. He graduated from Eastern High School (of which he spoke fondly, despite others’ teasing jabs) in 1968. Shortly after high school, Jim joined the Air Force and spent the next four years serving his country and enjoying his travels.
After being discharged from the Air Force as a sergeant, Jim met the woman who would become his wife, Sharon Christine Hatt. Jim and Sharon married on Nov. 9,1974. He became a father to Sharon’s two young sons, Chris and Brad Ogle. Shortly thereafter, they welcomed a third son, Stan. In 1988, Jim moved to Chattanooga for work. His family would shortly follow. He held different jobs during this time, but Jim’s favorite job was serving as a WIC consultant for the Hamilton County Health Department, where he retired after several years of service.
Jim came to faith at an early age. His relationship to Christ guided the rest of his life. He loved God, writing and his family. Among his family, his church family, and his coworkers, he was known to be an entertaining storyteller and teller of bad jokes, which sometimes ended up being funny in their badness. In later years, he enjoyed doting on his grandchildren. He would enjoy long conversations about history and the Bible with whomever would listen, and he appreciated teaching Sunday School and singing in the choir.
Jim was preceded in death by his parents, his wife of 38 years, his brother Cranston Lamont (Edna), his sister Rebekah Mary Faith Hartley, and a brother-in-law Gary Bill Blake.
Jim is survived by his sons Chris (Steph) of Signal Mountain, Brad (Esther) of Harrison, and Stan (Mindy) of Norwalk, Ia., his brothers Rick (Jureda) of Peru, In., and Mike of Versailles, Mo., his sister Pam Blake of Houston, a brother-in-law Doug Hartley of Greenwood, In., and his beloved grandchildren Peyton and Maddie Ogle of Signal Mountain. He leaves behind several beloved cousins, nieces, and nephews. He was loved by all and will be greatly missed.
Visitation will be available privately to family on Tuesday, March 25, from 10-10:30 a.m. at Hamilton Funeral Home in Hixson. Public visitation will be offered from 10:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. Funeral services will follow at 12:30 p.m., officiated by Pastor Billy Wallace of Lupton Drive Baptist. Burial will follow at Chattanooga National Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Lana’s Love Foundation, 1801 East 24th Street Place, Chattanooga, Tn. 37404.