James Rankhorn was born in Tennessee and moved to southern Georgia when he was six years old. He joined the US Marine Corps after graduating high school. In 2001, upon completion of his service to our country, he received an honorable discharge and moved back to Georgia.
James first joined GCO/GA2A in 2008 and quickly went to work recruiting members at gun shows and festivals in the South Georgia area. Shortly after, he was serving as the Valdosta gun show coordinator. In 2014, he organized the very first local chapter in the state, the South Georgia Chapter – a grassroots effort that grew into eight chapters statewide. In 2017 he was elected to the Board of Directors for a 2-year rotating seat. When his term ended, he was re-elected to a permanent seat. He was elected as Treasurer in the spring of 2024 and President in the fall of 2025.
James currently lives in Hahira, Ga. with his wife, Laci, and their 3 children where he is a small business owner.