Obituary: Malcolm James “Jim” Cranston

Malcolm James “Jim” Cranston, a true Nantucket legend, passed away peacefully on Thursday, May 21, 2026. Jim was born on March 22, 1936, on Nantucket to Granville and Catherine (Cummings) Cranston. He graduated from Nantucket High School in 1953, and on September 15, 1956, he married his high school sweetheart, Helen McDonald. Together, they shared 63 beautiful years of marriage until Helen’s passing in 2020.

A notoriously hard worker, Jim often balanced multiple jobs at once. Most notably, he spent 49 years at the FINAST/Stop & Shop from 1952 until 2001, where he served as a dedicated mentor to generations of coworkers. In the early 1950s, he drove for Pease Taxi, and by the late 1960s, he was driving a school bus for Francis Holdgate. Jim eventually bought the bus business, operating it for the Nantucket Public Schools until 1996. His love for the road didn't stop there; he continued driving buses for the Nantucket New School, Wee Whalers, and the Lighthouse School until he was 80 years old.

Jim was also a proud volunteer for the Nantucket Fire Department from 1959 to 1980, rising to the rank of Lieutenant. For many years, locals also knew him as the friendly face selling and repairing Electrolux vacuum cleaners, as well as a salesman for Cains products. His civic duty included being a ballot counter for the local election.
Community and camaraderie were central to Jim’s life. He was a longtime member of the Nantucket Anglers Club, where he served on the Board of Directors and worked the clam bars and clambakes for many years. He was also a dedicated member of the Lions Club and bowled in the men’s league at Young’s Bowling Alley.

Jim was an avid outdoorsman who loved deer hunting, scalloping, and fishing. Some of his family’s fondest memories are of Jim and Helen taking the kids fishing at Smith’s Point. In his later years, he enjoyed traveling, especially to warmer climates. He spent many summer Sundays with family and friends at 40th Pole Beach. This past March, Jim was surrounded by love, laughter, and many friends as he celebrated his milestone 90th birthday at the Fairgrounds.

Jim’s greatest source of pride was his family. He is survived by his seven children: Ellen Glowacki (David), Pam Bell (David), Jim, Michele, Michael (Kathy) Cranston, Sheila Clinger (Tom), and Katie O’Keefe (Chris). He is also survived by his 17 grandchildren: David Glowacki (Meghan), Brian Glowacki (Shaunna), Christopher Bell (Sarah), Benjamin Cranston, Megan Malo (Tim), Kerrigan (Max), Michael (Molly), Matthew, Emma Cranston, Ashley Souza (Tom), Alexisse Kraniak (Matt), Kaitlyn McMillan (John), Kevin O’Keefe (Jolie), Kayla McCarthy (Patrick), Matthew, Michael, and Julia O’Keefe; and his 6 great-grandchildren: Connor Glowacki, Sophia and Sam Basta, Lyla Glowacki, and Ethan and Mason Souza. Additionally, Jim leaves behind his sisters, Rowena Rickard and Catherine Ernsberger; his sisters-in-law Genevieve Harmon (Reg), Roberta McDonald, and Nancy McDonald; his brothers-in-law Ronald and Robert McDonald; and many beloved nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his wife, Helen, and his four brothers, Granville, Henry, Lloyd, and John. Nantucket has truly lost a legend. Jim had a remarkable memory - particularly the stories of Nantucket locals and events from his 90 years. His relentless sarcasm and legendary pranks will be sorely missed by all who knew him.

Services:
Viewing services will be held at the First Congregational Church, 62 Centre St., Nantucket, on Monday, June 1st from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM. Funeral services will take place on Tuesday, June 2nd at 11:00 AM at the First Congregational Church.
In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to the Marla Ceely Lamb fund or PASCON of Nantucket.