James E. Rankin

James “Jim” Edward Rankin, 84, was called home by his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ at his residence in Staunton on Tuesday, December 3, 2024, to join his late wife of fifty-seven years, Doris “Dottie” Jane Spitler Rankin and his late beloved daughter, Fonda Sue Rankin Persinger.

He was born on October 29, 1940, in Augusta County, to the late Russell Landes and Edna Bolton Ramsey Rankin. 

In addition to his parents, wife, and daughter, he was preceded in death by his sisters, Jane Elizabeth Rankin Grine and Diane Lynn Rankin Hinkle.

Jim is survived by his youngest daughter, Darlene Ann Rankin Strickler, and her husband, Mickey, of Stuarts Draft; a son-in-law, Duane Persinger, of Raphine; his grandchildren, Zack Strickler and his wife, Kylee, of Staunton and Cody Duane Persinger and his wife, Sheridan, of Waynesboro; and his beautiful great-grandchild, Tatum Persinger. He also is survived by his two brothers, Gary Lee Rankin and his wife, Sandy, and Wayne Ervin Rankin, all of Staunton.

Jim was a man whose warmth and kindness touched the lives of everyone around him. His legacy of kindness, laughter, and community spirit will forever remain in the hearts of those he touched.

His career began at Westinghouse in Verona, retiring in 1980. After Westinghouse, he transitioned to nearby Moore's Building Supply where he worked as a warehouse manager until his retirement in 1997 when the business closed. Jim dedicated the next twenty-one years of his life to Lowe's Home Improvement in Staunton as a product specialist in the lumber yard, where his expertise and friendly nature were greatly appreciated. 

Even after retirement, he continued to serve his community part-time as a greeter at Kroger and Walmart, where his welcoming face and demeanor became a dependable presence until September 2024.

Jim and his family became members of the Staunton First Church of the Nazarene in 1971, he later attended Greenville United Methodist Church and Pines Chapel Presbyterian Church in Greenville. He formed such a bond at each of these places of worship and always considered them all as his church families.

Jim was a man of diverse interests and hobbies. In his youth, he found excitement at Eastside Speedway in Waynesboro, racing dirt track cars, as well as countless hours spent outdoors hunting and fishing. As he matured, and his life changed with the birth of his daughters and his acceptance of Christ as his Savior, he fell in love with gospel and bluegrass music - even taking the time to teach his daughters the "two-step" and how to “flat-foot.” As his senior years approached, he continued his passion for the outdoors, reflected in the care of his vegetable gardening. His love for old westerns provided him with hours of entertainment, echoing the spirit of adventure that defined his life. He also found joy in simply watching the world go by from his front porch, always ready with a friendly wave to passing neighbors. He greeted everyone with a hug or a handshake and his conversation never ended without a joke and a smile. He was always full of laughter. 

A funeral service will be conducted at 12:00 PM on Saturday, December 7, 2024, at Henry Funeral Home in Staunton with his friend and pastor, Derek Almarode officiating. The family will receive friends two hours prior to the service, beginning at 10:00 AM and at other times at the residence of his daughter (1922 Stuarts Draft Highway, Stuarts Draft).

A private graveside service will follow at Thornrose Cemetery in Staunton.

Serving as pallbearers will be Mickey Strickler, Zack Strickler, Cody Persinger, Duane Persinger, Gary Rankin, and Wayne Rankin. Nieces and nephews will serve as honorary pallbearers.

The family would like to especially thank Drs. John Marsh, Barry Perkins, and their staffs, as well as to the doctors, nurses, and staff of Augusta Health Hospice of Shenandoah for all their care, kindness, and compassion during this time – especially to Dennis and Robin.

It is suggested that those desiring may make memorial contributions to Staunton First Church of the Nazarene (1307 West Beverley Street, Staunton, VA 24401), Pines Chapel Presbyterian Church (3204 Cold Springs Road, Greenville, VA 24440), Greenville United Methodist Church (126 Main Street, Greenville, VA 24440), or to Augusta Health Hospice of the Shenandoah (c/o Augusta Health Foundation, P.O. Box 1000, Fishersville, VA 22939).