James E. Ranfranz

Mrs. Ranfranz, please accept my deepest sympathy on Jim’s passing. I am grateful that part of my service on NIRPC coincided with his, albeit briefly. However, we agreed on tax base sharing and I enjoyed sharing ideas with him for improving the Region. I also appreciated his encouragement as I began my service as Highland Clerk-Treasurer. We are the better for his service. I pray that God will soon assuage your sorrow.

Barb,
Oh, boy do we have a ton of awesome memories of Jim and the gang on the 300 Dock. We remember the first day we saw you. We were on the 600 dock and you were moving onto the 500 dock. We knew immediately we had to meet you two. Maybe seeing you carting all that wine aboard had something to do with it, who knows, but it was a day that changed our lives. Ultimately, we all ended up on the 300 Dock and the fun really began. You and Jim, Jan and Dan, Bob and Sally, and us, what a...

I m so sorry for your loss. I didn't know Jim ("Mr. Ranfranz" when I was a kid) but I remember him as being very kind and cheerful.

I worked for Jim when he was the Executive Secretary of the Lake County Plan Commission, I was at the LCPC for about a year in the mid '60s. Jim was always busy but also had time to kid around, arm wrestle and slot car race on the Conference Room table on occasion. I followed his various regional exploits via the newspapers. it was wow, I knew him from the Plan Commission basement office in Crown Point. I'm sure Jim left his mark on whatever he touched, he'll be missed.

Barb, My heart breaks for you. I’m so sorry to hear of Jim’s passing. He was so respected and valued in any project he was involved in when it came to work. But my best memories of him, involved the two of you. How lucky was I to witness love and laughter from the beginning of your relationship. I can’t begin to imagine your loss, I can only hope your memories of his love helps you at this time.
Kelly

Jim and I ran into each other at THE big Christmas party back in 1996. It was for all the movers and shakers in the Region. Jim had much more name recognition than me and had a few decades of knowledge on me. I was new to the scene. One of the youngest elected officials in Northwest Indiana at the time. Just a kid at a mere 27 years old.

A businessman looked at me and Jim talking and shouted loudly in our direction, “Look at that everyone. It’s the Sorcerer and his Apprentice!”...

There is so much to remember my dad. All the years of growing up and watching him be so fun and friendly with everyone. It was so much fun watching him play music and sing. Every year around St Patrick's day my parents' band would play for three or four days, and we would get to go early one of the days and sit right up front. We felt so special! It was so much fun. I thought they must be as famous as the Beach Boys or someone like that. At parties or get- togethers he would always break out...

Sounds like your dad was a great man. So sorry for your loss.

I remember being out on Mr. Ranfranz’s boat! We had a blast! I remember I lost my shoe on the pier I still have the one shoes somewhere! He was great