Rankin Family

James McClymont Rankin was born on April 8, 1892,  Chicago, Illinois.   He was the first child born to  Louise Hanna and James Banks Rankin.  Later two sisters, Irene (Eileen) and Amy,  and one  brother, Ainsworth, were added to the family. His father became a doctor in  Brooklyn,  New York. Louise with  James and Eileen James and Eileen Ainsworth, Eileen, Amy and James At age 14, he attended secondary school in York Place, Borough of Brighton, England.  His Head Master wrote to his parents, on his term report in July of 1906:  "Your son is an intelligent and attentive boy.  He had worked hard this term and gained a good position on his Form list.  His conduct is quite satisfactory.”  His order of merit was 6 out of a class of 30. We have no record of how many years he attended this school.  He did serve as a cadet on several ocean liners in his early adult life. ...

WILLIAM AINSWORTH RANKIN was born December 15, 1918 in Glenridge, New Jersey. He was the first child born to Edna Mary Urban and James McClymont Rankin. His brother James was born June 8, 1922. They also had a sister named Amy but she died as an infant. The boys grew up in Bloomfield, New Jersey and East Orange, New Jersey. William's middle name came from his uncle who was also known as "Doc." His nickname was Billy. As a young boy Billy was very active and loved to ride his tricycle up and down the sidewalk in front of his home. Later during his school years he was very active in scouts and went on campouts with the troop or with his Dad. He often went hunting and fishing with his Dad at their summer home in Flanders, N.J. In his youth he remained active in scouting and church activities.  He entered the graphics arts field upon graduation, but found himself involved in the new field of automated card processing prior to 1940. ...

JAMES HANNAH RANKIN 1921-2015  OBITUARY NOTICE: We are fortunate have copies of his letters when he wrote home during the war. The following paragraphs taken from a few of the letters will show not only his brilliant ability as a writer and leader, but also his bravery, and his humble nature. within reach of each other.                                                                Friday, Oct 9, 1942 Germany May 2, 1945 He ends his letter:  "With a prayer that I'll be home very soon with you all, " Love , Jim

IT'S ALL ABOUT TIME!  So much happens over a life time..so much to celebrate, share and enjoy. When recorded through pictures this joy can rejuvenate memories, instill love and appreciation. Everyone is important and this blog can provide Rankin Family members with knowledge of past family history information and share current Rankin Family news of interest. This first Rankin Family blog post is designed to honor the life of James Hanna Rankin, who recently passed on January 8, 2015...at the age of 93!!! The following picture history gathered over the years, now can be shared with all of you readers, so you too can appreciate his outstanding lifetime. James, was born on June 8, 1921 in Bloomfield, New Jersey. His first name comes from a long line of James Rankins:   James Rankin 1831-1902 Scotland                James Banks Rankin 1863-1946 James Hanna Rankin 1921-2015 James McClymont Ranki...