James Alan "Jim" Mankin

James Alan “Jim” Mankin, 73, passed away peacefully on September 5, 2024 at his home in Moore, South Carolina.

Jim was born on October 22, 1950 to Cleon and Mozelle Mankin in Moscow, Idaho. He graduated from Brookings (SD) High School in 1968, then went on to South Dakota State University, where he earned Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in economics. While working on his Master’s, he met his wife Nancy, and they were married in August 1974.

Jim began his career as a life insurance actuary at Midland National Life in Watertown, SD, and practiced his profession for 30-plus years at several life insurance companies across the United States. He earned the designation of Fellow in the Society of Actuaries and was also a member of the American Academy of Actuaries.

Jim took early retirement in 2006 to become the daycare provider for his granddaughter, Anna, who lovingly calls him Bompa. He so enjoyed taking her to the library for Mother Goose on the Loose and later to her preschool. He was her chauffeur, homework advisor and video game partner from elementary school into high school. He often said that the best years of his life were when he was taking care of Anna.

Jim was an avid gardener who created beautiful landscapes wherever he lived. Unbeknownst to him, he was called Mr. Greenthumb by the builders of his neighborhood in Mauldin, SC. He also loved feeding the birds, eating peanut butter and banana sandwiches, and watching Breaking Bad. He was a quiet, thoughtful and intelligent man with a good sense of humor who loved his family dearly.

Jim is survived by his wife, Nancy; his daughter, Julie (Jason) Watson; his granddaughter Anna; his sister Marjorie (Pat) Stallman; his brother David (Jeannette) Mankin; many nieces and nephews and other extended family members.

A private memorial service for family and close friends will be held at a later date. To honor Jim, memorials may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital or the Tunnel to Towers Foundation.