James McGrath Ransford

May 18, 1939 – Dec. 27, 2022

Written and spoken words cannot express the sadness and void left by the passing of Jim Ransford. He was a man of high moral character who did right simply because it was right. He was kind, generous and profoundly loved and was loved by his family and friends. His deep bass voice was an elegant signature sound.

Jim was born in Concord, California to Sana and James Alban Ransford and grew up in Oakland along with his older sister Marilyn (Selby). After graduating from San Jose State University, he held various positions in the oil industry spending several years in the State of Washington where his son Kyle was born in 1971. The family moved to Southern California, settling in La Crescenta where his son Derrek was born at Verdugo Hills Hospital in 1977.

In 1992, Jim wed the love of his life, Lynn Ransford, to whom he was happily married for 30 years until his passing. Every day Jim and Lynn expressed their love for each other, knowing the importance of saying it and showing it. For about 25 years Jim was a successful real estate appraiser, having founded Valley View Appraisal in the early 1990s. In 2019 they lost Lynn’s daughter Holly to pancreatic cancer but Kyle and Derrek, and Lynn’s son Mike, have given them nine grandchildren ranging from ages 16 to 2: Austin, Riley, Kaitlin, Jonas, Asher, Avery, Myles, Taylor and Charlie. Nothing made Jim happier than being with his family.

Jim will be missed by so many friends including the “Old Pharts” breakfast group who got together every Wednesday morning, rain or shine.

The year 2022 was a tough one as Jim battled bladder cancer. Mid-year we thought he won that battle but cancer returned to win the war. However, he passed peacefully and is now free of the constraints and challenges. Dance with the angels, Jim. Everyone will love you forever.