Jim Ranz

Mr. Ranz died Wednesday, Jan. 29, 2003, at his home.

He was born July 21, 1921, in Atlanta, Neb., the son of Joe and Louie Ranz. He earned a bachelor’s degree at Kearney State Teachers College in Kearney, Neb., a master’s degree in library science from the University of Michigan, and a doctorate at University of Illinois. He moved to Lawrence, Kan., in 1975, then to Laramie in 2000.

Mr. Ranz served in the U.S. Army in the European Theater during World War II. He became library director at the University of Wyoming in 1955. He worked at University of British Columbia from 1962 to 1964, then became dean of academic affairs in Laramie. He served as director of libraries for Kansas University from 1975 until he retired in 1991.

He married Delores Christensen in 1942. She survives of the home.

Other survivors include a daughter, JoAnn Cuthbertson, Thornton, Colo.; two sons, John and Tom, both of Laramie; five grandchildren; and a great-grandchild.

The family suggests memorials to Hospice of Laramie, 1262 N. 22nd St., Unit A, Laramie, WY 82072, or to American Cancer Society at (800) ACS-2345 or www.cancer.org.