James Rabenstein Granger July 4


James Rabenstein Granger
July 4, 1932 ~ June 23, 2017
 
 Jim was born in Ithaca, New York on July 4, 1932 to Edmund and Bertha (Rabenstein) Granger. He passed away peacefully at home, Friday, June 23, 2017 at the age of 84 years.
 
 He was raised on the family farm, a few minutes from Sampson A.F.B., Romulus, New York. Jim decided early in his life that flying airplanes had to be more fun than driving a tractor. He enlisted in 1951 at Sampson and completed basic training in his "back yard," before going to flight school at Malden, MO.. He made the Air Force his career, retiring at CAFB as a Lieutenant Colonel in 1973.
 
 Thanks to the guidance of friends, Jim started his second career, when he bought an almond orchard. He "retired" from that endeavor when he married the "Love of His Life," Sherry (Allen) Roberts, in 2006.
 
 Jim became dad to his step-sons, Craig and Koffi, who he adored. He also acquired additional family members in Los Banos, brother in-law and sister-in-law Bill and Nina Allen, along with their children and grandchildren who rounded out his new family.
 
 Genealogy was a favorite past time and Jim traced his "Roots" to pre civil war, "Granger Kin," and to Lithuania on the Rabenstien side of his family. Castle Air Museum had a special place in his heart. He enjoyed being part of the acquisition of "New" planes, and helping to put in the first irrigation system. He had many close and dear friends in those activities. He was a Castle Air Museum Director Emeritus and past president of the Merced County Genealogical Society.
 
 Jim loved to travel and had walked on 6 of 7 continents. His Bucket list was completed when the Granger newlyweds spent 2 weeks on a Russian Scientific "Clad For Ice" ship with 80 passengers and a Ukrainian Crew, in deep south Antarctica. He walked on the Continent daily and visited scientific stations from various countries. The Ukrainian Station was his favorite, as they made and sold shots of their own home made vodka!
 
 After years of commuting to Phoenix, the Grangers left Atwater in 2012 and "retired" to Prescott Calley, Arizona, for medical reasons, they moved their home in Phoenix a year ago.
 
 Jim will be buried in the Sampson Veterans Memorial Cemetery, at a later date. He leaves behind a legacy of family and friends who will mourn him deeply. If a man's measure is taken by his kindness, generosity and the love he spreads, then Jim was a truly great man.
 
~Merced Sun Star, Saturday, July 8, 2017~