Reverend James Rankin

Funeral services for Bishop James Rankin Sr., who passed away at the age of 78 on June 29, 2026, were solemnly held on July 5, 2026, at Mount Olive High School's Multipurpose Building in Mount Olive, MS. The interment followed at Still Waters Baptist Church Cemetery, with Pastor James Aaron Rankin Jr., his son, delivering the eulogy. Arrangements were managed by Reeves Funeral Home, Inc.

Bishop Rankin was a Vietnam veteran and proudly served in the Marine Corps and during Desert Storm/Desert Shield, retiring from the Army National Guard. A devoted minister, he founded Still Waters Baptist Church in 2007 and served his congregation for 31 years, leaving an indelible mark on his community.

He is fondly remembered by his beloved wife Linda (Lynn) Rankin and their children: Lidina Rankin, Falisha (Eric) Boykin, Kimala (Fredrick) Flowers, Sylvia (Dexter) Jordan, James Jr. (Nakeisha) Rankin, and Rodrick Sr. (Shyanna) Rankin. He is survived by brothers Michael (Pearl) Loftin and Paul Rubin; sisters Tina Rubim and Josette Taylor; brothers-in-law Willie, Wallace, Terry, and Walter (Mattie); and sister-in-law Carie Drake. His legacy includes 18 grandchildren, 21 great-grandchildren, one great-great-grandchild, and numerous other relatives and friends.

Honorary pallbearers included James Rankin Jr., Rodrick Rankin Sr., Fredrick Flowers Sr., Eric Boykin, Dexter Jordan Sr., and Ramon Edwards. Active pallbearers were Cordius Rankin, Paris Edwards, Fredrick Flowers Jr., Semaj Rankin, Preston Lockhart III, Rodrick Rankin Jr., Jaden Rankin, Jayden Moody, Dexter Jordan Jr., James Rankin III, and Joshua Jordan, with flower bearers being nieces and cousins.

Bishop Rankin was preceded in death by his parents, Isaiah Rankin Sr. and Naomi Rankim Rubin, brothers Robert, Jerry, Marshall, and Isaiah Rankin, and sister Marsene Cole. His life was a testament to service, community, and faith, and he will be deeply missed.