James M. Rancier

April 8, 1944November 7, 2017 James M. Rancier, a longtime resident of Albuquerque, NM since 1948 passed at home in Las Vegas, NM. He graduated from Highland High School in 1962. After serving in the US Army he attended The University of New Mexico and received a degree in Archaeology and Anthropology. James worked at many famous sites during his life throughout the United States; Colorado, New Mexico, Arizona, Texas, and also Washington, DC at the Smithsonian. James retired in 2004 from the US National Park Service. Jimmy was a boy scout and was an avid outdoors man. He was nick-named Jemez because of the time he spent exploring the Jemez Mountains as a youth.

He was preceded in death by his brother, Joe Neil Rancier; and nephew, Jeffrey Rancier. He is survived by his wife, Cathleen Rancier of 35 years; brother, Jerry Rancier (Christine); sister, Neva RancierKing; nieces, Kristy King Wellman and Rachel King Ryan; nephews, Jason, Jack and Justin Rancier; and many cousins from Oklahoma.

Visitation will be Tuesday, November 14, 2017 from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. at FRENCH – University. Funeral Service will be Wednesday, November 15, 2017, 10:00 a.m. at FRENCH – University. Burial will follow at 3:00 p.m. at Santa Fe National Cemetery. Please make contributions to the Lung Cancer Foundation of America at

www.lcfamerica.org. Please visit our online guestbook for James at www.FrenchFunerals.com FRENCH - University 1111 University Blvd. NE 505.843.6333 www.frenchfunerals.com