Jimmy Rufus Rankin was born July 27, 1961, in Magee, Mississippi to the late Reverend Nelvis Rankin, Sr. and Jerlene Griffith Rankin.

Jimmy was a lifelong member of Zion Hill M.B. Church where he served as an usher. He stated "I know I am saved 'cause I believe."

Jimmy married his childhood sweetheart, Jennifer Streeter Rankin and to this union, a daughter, Jessica Janene, was born.

Jimmy was a graduate of Magee High School Class of 1979. He was a die hard Trojan fan and never missed a football game.

Jimmy loved farming and going to family reunions.

Jimmy leaves to cherish his memory: his loving wife, Jennifer S. Rankin; his beloved daughter, Jessica J. Rankin; his siblings, Nelvis (Myrtis) Rankin, Janice Rankin Mitchell, J.V. (Debra) Durr, L.C. (Ann) Durr, Sherry Chatman, Gregory Chatman, Vinson Chatman and Paul Rankin; and three aunts, Suzie Griffith, Verna Jean Rankin and Annie Mae Rankin. Also cherishing his memory are his sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, cousins and a host of other relatives and friends. Jimmy's parents, Nelvis and Jerlene Griffith Rankin; baby sister, Nellene Rankin; brother, Bobby Ray Rankin; and grandparents, Kingdom Griffith, Cordis and Janie Rankin preceded him in death.