Mckeesport High School Alumni
Mckeesport, Pennsylvania (PA)
In Memory of
James Rankin
1959-2026
Born Jul 08, 1959, James Rankin attended Mckeesport High School in Mckeesport, PA.
Class of 1977
Jul 08, 1959 - Feb 17, 2026
Jul 08, 1959 - Feb 17, 2026
James D Rankin, age 66, passed on to heaven from his ranch, Highland Rise, in Austin County, Texas, on Feb 17, 2026, from pancreatic cancer.
Born July 8, 1959, in McKeesport, PA, a descendant of the Founders of America, Jim left his historic home and job as Editor of the local paper, to move to Texas in 1995 to marry his childhood love, Carolyn Shaw (Huebner).
Jim's first desire was medicine, with a BA in Science from University of Texas, he taught Human Anatomy at Lanier High School for seventeen years, moving on to Round Top/Carmine and retiring from Columbus H.S in 2023.
Jim loved the Lord Jesus and received his ordination as a minister in 2006, forming Rankin Family Ministries, Inc in 2007. He also received his Chaplain commission from Texas University of Theology in 2025, Badge #4995.
Jim was a member of the Sons of the American Revolution, Independence Chapter. Proud of his family heritage of 22 G-G grandfathers serving in the War, one being a bodyguard to George Washington.
Born of Scottish heritage, Jim played the great Highland Bagpipes, all over the USA. Part of his ministry was to bring the pipes back to the churches, to lead Christian Soldiers into battle for America. His highest honor was piping Eric Trump, son of the President, unto the stage at an event in Frisco, TX.
Jim was an avid reader and writer, loved all things NASA, and traveling with Carolyn and his daughter, Audra. He fully embraced his life in Texas, wearing Bolos and boots.
Preceded in death by his father, Warren H. Rankin, his mother Peggy Jean Rankin (McQuaid), and brother, Christopher L. Rankin, all of Pennsylvania.
Surviving family are his wife Carolyn and daughter Audra Nicole, with several pets that loved him dearly.
Born July 8, 1959, in McKeesport, PA, a descendant of the Founders of America, Jim left his historic home and job as Editor of the local paper, to move to Texas in 1995 to marry his childhood love, Carolyn Shaw (Huebner).
Jim's first desire was medicine, with a BA in Science from University of Texas, he taught Human Anatomy at Lanier High School for seventeen years, moving on to Round Top/Carmine and retiring from Columbus H.S in 2023.
Jim loved the Lord Jesus and received his ordination as a minister in 2006, forming Rankin Family Ministries, Inc in 2007. He also received his Chaplain commission from Texas University of Theology in 2025, Badge #4995.
Jim was a member of the Sons of the American Revolution, Independence Chapter. Proud of his family heritage of 22 G-G grandfathers serving in the War, one being a bodyguard to George Washington.
Born of Scottish heritage, Jim played the great Highland Bagpipes, all over the USA. Part of his ministry was to bring the pipes back to the churches, to lead Christian Soldiers into battle for America. His highest honor was piping Eric Trump, son of the President, unto the stage at an event in Frisco, TX.
Jim was an avid reader and writer, loved all things NASA, and traveling with Carolyn and his daughter, Audra. He fully embraced his life in Texas, wearing Bolos and boots.
Preceded in death by his father, Warren H. Rankin, his mother Peggy Jean Rankin (McQuaid), and brother, Christopher L. Rankin, all of Pennsylvania.
Surviving family are his wife Carolyn and daughter Audra Nicole, with several pets that loved him dearly.
George D. Sivak N/a '76 said:
So sorry to learn of Jim's passing. He was a very fine gentleman who was humble and kind to all. I remember him coming into the Guidance Office for some items he needed. He expressed his thoughts on some issues that were prevalent on that day. He certainly went on to a brilliant career and made a difference in the life. God bless Jim and may he rest in peace.
G. David Sivak
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