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James Kirtland Rankin

James Kirtland Rankin, 61, of Old Saybrook, died unexpectedly at his home on Jan. 30, 2024. James was born in Middletown on June 21, 1962, to his parents, Robert and Helen Rankin, who resided in the town of Deep River.

Jimmy, also known as “Jumbo,” graduated from Valley Regional High School in Deep River in 1981. After graduating from high school, he enlisted with the United States Air Force and served four years at Patrick Air Force Base in Cocoa Beach, Florida. Following his service to his country, Jimmy became an auxiliary member of the Old Saybrook VFW, Post 10153, and the American Legion Post #113 in Old Saybrook. He was very proud of the time he served in the military. He was all about God and country, as all could see by the flags that were displayed on the front of his home.

Jimmy was a veteran of the Deep River Fire Department, a past member of the Old Saybrook Fire Department, and also served on the Essex Ambulance Association.

For many years, Jimmy played the fife. He was a member of the Deep River Drum Corp, the Ancient Mariners, and recently joined the Stony Creek Drum Corp. When he sustained a serious injury to his hand and was unable to play the fife for several years, Jimmy worked with one of his fifing mates, and they were able to design a fife so he could play again. He was ecstatic when he was able to march in the Deep River Muster this past summer, and many will always remember hearing that beautiful sound that came from such passion.

Jimmy was an avid football fan and loved to coach youth football with the Tri-Town football league when he was a younger man and also an assistant coach with the Valley Regional Warriors. He was a big fan of the Washington Redskins (Commanders) and loved to spend his Sundays watching the game.

Jumbo was a big presence when he walked into a room. As most know, he was the life of the party and loved to make people laugh. Jimmy’s greatest love was his family, spending holidays together and he greatly enjoyed his nieces and nephews.

Jimmy is survived by his mother, Helen P. Rankin of Centerbrook; his sister, Marilyn Sicord, and her husband, Michael of Lyme; his brother, Russell Rankin and his wife Leigh Ann of Centerbrook; his twin brother, Jay Rankin and his wife, Pam of Old Saybrook. He had five nieces and nephews: Benjamin Rankin, Jayson Rankin, Alyssa Rankin, Stephanie Shea, and Jennifer Rankin. He is also survived by four stepbrothers and one stepsister, Robert Gahran, Andrew Moore, Tina Moore, and Daniel Moore.

Jimmy was preceded in death by his father, Robert R. Rankin, and his wife, Fay Rankin; his brother, Robert R. Rankin Jr.; his half-sister, Darlene Tiezzi; and his stepbrother, James Gahran.

A funeral was held on Feb. 5, at the Deep River Congregational Church, 1 Church Street, Deep River. Burial followed with full military honors at the Fountain Hill Cemetery, 57 High Street, Deep River. To share a memory or to leave a condolence for his family, please visit www.rwwfh.com. Arrangements are in the care of the Robinson, Wright & Weymer Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Jimmy’s name can be made to the American Legion Post #113, 113 Essex Rd, Old Saybrook, CT 06475, and the Old Saybrook VFW, Post 10153, 315 Essex Rd, Old Saybrook, CT 06475.