James D. Rankin

Obituary

Obituaries | The Tube City Almanac | February 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 commision from Texas University of Theology in 2025, Badge #4995.

Jim was a member of the Sons of the Ameican Revolution, Independence Chapter. Proud of his family heritage of 22 G-G grandfathers serving in the War, one being a body guard 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, onto the stage at an event in Frisco, Texas.

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.

Services will be held at Memorial Oaks Chapel on Feb 21, 2026 in Brenham, Tx. Viewing will be 11:00 Am till 1:00 PM, service will begin at 1:30 PM. Interment will be at the Historic Wesley Cemetery. Minister Dean Brock of Kentucky officating.

Memorial donations can be made to Community Family Church, Building Fund, 11875 Taylor Mill RD., Independence, KY 41051 or Sons of the American Revolution, Museum Fund, 809 W. Main St. Louisville, KY 40202.

Originally published February 17, 2026.

Other deaths:
"Barbara Gail Fulmer" ||