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BORN
1933
DIED
2020
FUNERAL HOME
James Rankin Obituary
He was born March 22, 1933, in Brackenridge, a son of James L. and Evelyn M. Piper Rankin. On Sept. 12, 1953, in Winchester, Va., he married Betty Lee Miller, who survives.
Mr. Rankin was a graduate of West Deer Township High School and attended Ross Leffler School of Conservation in Brockway.
He served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War from 1953 to 1955.
Mr. Rankin was a Wildlife Conservation Officer for 28 years with the Pennsylvania Game Commission in McKean County. He retired in 1995.
He was life member of the NRA, Port Allegany VFW, COPA (Conservation Officers of Pennsylvania), and the North American Wildlife Enforcement Officers Association.
He enjoyed hunting, was a true Pittsburgh sports fan and loved spending time with his grandchildren.
In addition to his wife, Betty, he is survived by three sons, James E. (Susan) Rankin Jr. of Port Allegany, Randy E. (Jill) Rankin of Muncie, Ind., and Robert S. (Lora) Rankin of Port Allegany; one daughter, Kathy M. (William) Niece of Port Allegany; nine grandchildren, Brianne (Marc) Riblet, Travis (Stephanie) Rankin, Matthew (Rebecca) Rankin, Valorie (Alex) McKinney, Jeremy (Andrea) Niece, Danielle (Jerimiah) Frederick, Dean (Courtney) Kelley, Erice Kelley and Jade (Jay) Poor; 19 great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, one great-grandson, Wyatt Rankin, one brother and two sisters.
Visitation will be held on Friday from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. at Hartle-Tarbox Funeral Homes Inc., 105 Main St., Port Allegany, where funeral and committal services will be held on Saturday at 11 a.m., with the Rev. Garen Smith, pastor of the First Presbyterian Church of Port Allegany, officiating. Military honors will be accorded by the Port Allegany Honor Guard. Burial will be in the Grimes Cemetery, Port Allegany.
Memorials, if desired, may be made to a charity of the donor's choice. Online condolences may be made at www.hartle-tarboxfuneralhomes.com.
Arrangements are under the direction of the Hartle-Tarbox Funeral Homes Inc., Port Allegany.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for James Rankin
Sponsored by Hartle-Tarbox Funeral Homes, Inc. - Port Allegany.
5 Entries
Rick Hixson
March 6, 2025
I always enjoyed Jim's company. I transferred to the Northcentral Region of the Pennsylvania Game Commission after being a Game Protector in the Southwest Region. Jim was legendary in the Northcentral. I miss the old comradery we experienced back in the day. I retired in 2004. Things certainly have changed since then.
Rick Hixson
March 6, 2023
I knew Jim as a fellow Game Protector. I had just transferred to the Northcentral Region and called him by the wrong last name. He never let me forget it. We had fun with it any time we met after that. He was quite the character and thinking about him brings back great momories.
KELLY MORAN
March 13, 2020
I had a brief encounter with both James and John Dzemian in the mid 80's. No its not what you think. It was a ride along program coordinated through Slippery Rock University. Both of these men inspired me to become a Park Ranger and a Refuge Officer with the USFWS. James and John
wonderful examples to me of what a professional should be like as well as demonstrating their passion for the profession. They were both firm and fair. God has used them in my life to make me a better man and officer and I will be forever grateful. (Retired)
Rick Hixson, DGP ret.
March 12, 2020
When I transferred to the Northcentral Region as a Land Manager for the Game Commission, I had the opportunity to spend time with Jim and got to know him. He was always quite a character and I certainly enjoyed his humor and company.
Jack Lucas
March 12, 2020
Rankin Family, You have our prayers and condolences. Jim is a great man and served our Country and Commonwealth with dignity and honor.
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Memorial Events
for James Rankin
Mar
13
Visitation
2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Hartle-Tarbox Funeral Homes, Inc. - Port Allegany105 North Main Street, Port Allegany, PA 16743
Mar
13
Visitation
6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Hartle-Tarbox Funeral Homes, Inc. - Port Allegany105 North Main Street, Port Allegany, PA 16743
Mar
14
Funeral service
11:00 a.m.
Hartle-Tarbox Funeral Homes, Inc. - Port Allegany105 North Main Street, Port Allegany, PA 16743
Funeral services provided by:
Hartle-Tarbox Funeral Homes, Inc. - Port Allegany105 North Main Street, Port Allegany, PA 16743
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