James Edward Ranson

On Father's Day, June 18, 2017, James E. (Big Jim) Ranson passed away peacefully at the age of 85 at his home in Cashiers, NC. He was a part time resident of Tampa, FL. Born and raised in Chicago, IL, he was a maintenance foreman for Nabisco, Corp., a licensed machinist and then owner of a KOA Campground in Ruskin, FL. At the age of 47, he retired to do what he loved, remodeling and repairs and riding his Harley. It was then that he met his wife of 38 years, Elizabeth, with whom he shared a fairy tale romance until the day he passed. Their love story was evident to all who knew them. Jim accumulated a multitude of friends from street beggars, motorcyclists, war veterans, poker players and many from other walks of life. Leaving to celebrate his life on a daily basis is his devoted wife Elizabeth; his first wife and mother of his children Marjory Ranson; daughter Patricia (Jorge) Unanue; son James Jr.; step-daughters Teresa Banschbach, Catherine (Bruce) Clark, Patricia (Kevin) VanEyll; another daughter Susan, preceded him in death; grandchildren Elise Geltman, Alexandra and Gabriella Unanue; four step grand-children Erica Turner, Lauren Banschbach, Stacy Rene Sarmiento and April Booker; and six great-grandchildren. There will be no ceremonies or formal fare-wells. We ask that you drink a toast to having shared his life and pass along good deeds in his name. In lieu of flowers please support your local Humane Society.