In Loving Memory
Jimmy Cranke

VISITATION
Friday, March 3, 2017
5:00 - 8:00 P.M.
Martin-Mattice Funeral Home
Emmetsburg, Iowa

SERVICE
Saturday, March 4, 2017
10:30 A.M.
First United Methodist Church
Emmetsburg, Iowa

CLERGY
Rev. Louie Q. Gallo

MUSIC
Sarah Ballman

HONORARY BEARERS
Nicole Jay
Shantell Jay
Brett Ballman
Sarah Ballman
Ryan Ballman
Matt Ballman

INURNMENT
Evergreen Cemetery
Emmetsburg, Iowa

Jimmy Cranke, son of Thomas Nolan and Lottie (Evans) Cranke was born June 9, 1935 in New Orleans, Louisiana. He attended Eldorado High school in Eldorado, Arkansas, graduating in 1953. Following graduation, Jimmy attended Southeastern Louisiana College, graduating with his Bachelor of Music Education degree in 1959.

Jimmy taught vocal music for grades 1-12, in Hahnville, Louisiana for several years. He then continued his education at Oklahoma University where he completed a Masters Degree in Fine Arts. He also studied abroad in Edinburgh, Scotland. Jimmy was a very talented musician and sang with the New Orleans Opera and San Antonio Opera for several seasons. He then accepted a position with Kansas Wesleyan University where he was the head of the Drama department. Jimmy auditioned for movies, being cast as an extra while living in Louisiana. After his retirement, Jimmy worked as a cook for Solomon Episcopal Conference Center in Loranger, Louisiana.

Jimmy enjoyed cooking and watching Guy Fieri on the Food Channel. He was an avid fan of the New Orleans Saints and he loved animals, always having a pet dog or cat. He especially enjoyed his dog, T.N. In 2012 Jimmy moved to Emmetsburg to be near his daughters and their families. He continued his interest in theater and the arts by volunteering at Main Street Community Theatre in Emmetsburg, helping and participating in several productions.

Jimmy passed away Friday, February 17, 2017 at the Emmetsburg Care Center, at the age of 81. He was preceded in death by his parents.

He is survived by his daughters, Sylvia Ballman and her husband, Dave of Emmetsburg, Iowa and Sondra Grote and her husband, Mike of Filley, Nebraska; five grandchildren, Nicole Jay of St. Joseph, Missouri, Shantell Jay of Beatrice, Nebraska, Brett Ballman and his wife, Sarah of Avon, Indiana, Ryan Ballman of Des Moines, Iowa and Matt Ballman of Des Moines, Iowa; and two great grandchildren, Dru Jay and Isaac Ballman; as well as other relatives and friends.

Arrangements by Martin-Mattice Funeral Home