James Lee "Jake" Rankin's Obituary
James Lee “Jake” Rankin passed away peacefully on July 23, 2021, surrounded by the love of his family. He was 79 years old.
Jake was born in Dallas, TX. He wasn’t in Texas long, as he was raised in Annapolis, MD. He attended school in West Annapolis Elementary and Annapolis Jr and Sr High School. In high school he played football, lacrosse and wresting. He even obtained a wrestling scholarship when he attended University of Baltimore. After a little college, he decided to join the Army in 1963. He stayed until 1965 and served in the Vietnam War.
When Jake returned home, he went to work at Anne Arundel General Hospital in the purchasing department and ultimately moved his career over to Sears as an appliance technician in the Appliance Department.
His best friend set him up on a blind date with a mutual friend in 1986, who ended up being the love of his life, Deborah Goddard. It ended up being a perfect match because within three years, in 1989 they were married! They shared a long life together and loved crabbing and fishing, he affectionately called her his “water partner” and their two black labs, Blackie and Bey. Jake also loved hunting, trapping, gardening, cooking dinner for his lovely wife every night and even has his own special recipe for his famous apple pie!
Jake is survived by his loving wife Debbie Rankin, his brother Bolton “Buster” Rankin and a host of other family members.
He is predeceased by his dedicated parents Bolton Rankin and Emilie George Rankin.
A visitation will be held at Lasting Tributes Cremation and Funeral Care in Annapolis, MD on Bestgate Road on August 4, 2021 from 2-5pm where refreshments will be served to celebrate Jakes life.
In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to The National Wild Turkey Federation https://your.nwtf.org/donate/
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