James C. "Jim" Ranz

Visitation Dates and Times
Friday, October 4, 2024 4:00-7:00 p.m.
Saturday, October 5, 2024 10:00-11:00 a.m.
Visitation Location
Moss Funeral Home, Trenton
Service Date
Saturday, October 5, 2024
Service Time
11:00 a.m.
Service Location
Moss Funeral Home, Trenton
Full Obituary
James Clifford "Jim" Ranz, age 65, of Aviston, passed away Thursday, September 26, 2024, at HSHS St. Joseph's Hospital in Breese. He was born December 17, 1958, in Highland, a son of the late Lester and Eleanor, nee Scheel, Ranz.
In addition to Jim's parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Glenn Ranz and brother-in-law, Hal Gray.
Jim is survived by his siblings, David (Joanie) Ranz of Trenton, Lenore Gray of Trenton, and Carolyn (Gary) Smoot of Sterling; nephews and nieces, Tim (Jaime) Ranz, Chris (Christine) Ranz, Erin (Keith) Lee, Meaghan (Daniel) Ellenburg, Philip (Stephanie) Gray, Justin (Elissa) Gray, Jonathan Gray, Kestrel Smoot, and Katelyn Smoot; great-nieces and great-nephews, Ella, Sydney, Sawyer, and Savannah Ranz, Gianna, Jaden, Julien, and Gemma Lee, Mae Ellenburg, Mason and Murphy Gray, and Nolan and Halle Gray; and was honorary great-uncle of Trent and Trevor Litteken.
A dedicated and passionate dairy farmer, Jim took pride in building his registered Holstein herd. He was a member of several organizations, including the Clinton County Farm Bureau, Euro Motor Union, Clinton County Holstein Club, and the National Dairy Herd Information Services. His contributions to dairy farming earned him numerous awards, including Clinton County's Most Improved Herd, Superior Quality Milk Production, Top Butterfat Production, and Outstanding Young Breeder.
Beyond his farm, Jim had a variety of interests. He enjoyed collecting vintage Triumph motorcycles, reading everything from dairy magazines to comic books, and spending time at the family cottage in Canada. He valued his time with family and friends and was known for his warmth, generosity, and readiness to help anyone in need. He was a familiar face at gatherings, where his kindness and caring nature shone through. Jim faced many obstacles with grace and perseverance. His legacy is one of resilience, kindness, and a life well-lived, surrounded by the people and pursuits he loved most.
A man of faith, Jim attended both West Gate Baptist Church and First United Methodist Church in Trenton.
Memorial Service will be Saturday, October 5, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. at Moss Funeral Home in Trenton with Alan Zurliene and Tim Ranz officiating. Interment will follow at Trenton Cemetery.
Visitation will be Friday, October 4, 2024, from 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. and again Saturday, October 5, 2024, from 10:00 – 11:00 a.m. at Moss Funeral Home in Trenton.
In lieu of flowers, plants, and other gifts, memorials may be made to the wishes of the family (checks payable to David Ranz) and will be received at the visitation or by mail, Moss Funeral Home, 105 S. Main St. Trenton, IL 62293, who is serving the family.