Ezra James Rankin

Ezra James Rankin (Jim) of Carthage, passed away on Monday, January 8, 2024, at St Joseph of the Pines in Southern Pines.

He was born March 9, 1931 in Holyoke, Massachusetts. He was preceded in death by his twin brother Clifford C. Rankin. 

He served in the United States Air Force for 21 years. He attended the University of Alabama and graduated from Louisiana Tech. He earned his masters from Appalachian State University.

He spent most of his civilian life working in Mental Health, Mental Retardation and Substance Abuse Programs. He was Area Director of Mental Health for Cleveland County for 15 years. Additionally, he served  as President of the North Carolina Mental Health Centers Association for 2 years. Jim was an avid reader and loved golf. He carded five holes-in-one in his golfing career. 

He is survived by his wife of 40 years, Judy; a son Michael Rankin (Paige) of Greensboro; a daughter, Patti Dormer (Jim) of Wilton, Ct; four grandchildren, Katherine, Meredith, Matthew and Lydia. He leaves behind his fur babies, Riley and Molly. 

A visitation will be held Saturday, January 13, 2024 11 am until 12 noon, at Kennedy Funeral Home, Robbins NC. Following visitation a graveside service will be held at 2 pm at Mt Carmel Church, 3925 Old Carthage Road, Carthage, NC.

Memorials may be made to Mt Carmel Church, Alzheimer’s research or St Jude’s Children’s Hospital. 

Condolences on line at pinesfunerals.com