James "Jim" Rankin

3/5/1941 - 9/4/2025

Norwich - James "Jim" Rankin, 84, passed away Sept. 4, 2025. He was born March 5, 1941, in Norwich. Jim was the son of Herbert Anderson Rankin and Anna (Gualtieri) Rankin.

Jim attended the Norwich Free Academy and was later employed at General Dynamics. Jim joined Local Union 469 of the former Molders Union and, in 1959, married Carolyn Rankin (née Redhead). Over the years, he served Local Union 469 in many leadership roles, including financial secretary, chief steward, and secretary to the Metal Trades Council, New London County, AFL-CIO. In 1971, Jim was appointed special representative of the International Molders & Allied Workers Union (IMAWU), and, in 1981, he was elected vice president. Following further union mergers in 1988, which created the Glass, Molders, Pottery, Plastics, and Allied Workers (GMP) union, Jim continued his career as assistant director of organizing and later advanced to vice president, treasurer, and, ultimately, president in 1997, serving until his retirement in 2004.

Jim shared a tireless commitment to the solidarity of the Union Brotherhood. He was steadfast in his dedication to the Labor Movement, traveling often and for long duration in service to the mission for better working conditions and quality of life for the members he served.

Beyond his professional achievements, Jim enjoyed time with family and friends at his lake house in Salem. Summers at the lake were filled with laughter, cookouts, swimming and peaceful evenings by the water. He cherished sharing this special place with family and friends, creating lasting, treasured memories.

Jim was predeceased by his parents; and his son James Rankin Jr. He is survived by his daughters, Theresa Rankin-Carle ( John) and Elizabeth Rankin; his three grandsons, Remington Carle, Jason Carle (Alicia) and Simon Carle, of Norwich; his sister Paula Paolino (Carmine) of Woodbury; his niece Rebecca Holshouser (Christopher) of Avon; and his nephew Dante Paolino (Isabella) of West Hartford.

Memorial donations may be made in Jim's name to the William W. Backus Hospital Office of Philanthropy and Development, 326 Washington Street, Norwich, CT 06360.

The Cummings-Gagne Funeral Home has been entrusted with Jim's arrangements. Please visit www.cummings-gagnefh.com to give condolences or share a memory. There are no calling hours. A private graveside service will be held at Maplewood Cemetery.