James J. Ryan Jr., 54, passed peacefully at his home in Phoenix, AZ, on Friday, April 4, 2014 due to a brief illness, surrounded by his loving family. He was the loving and devoted husband of Stacey J. Ryan and the proud & doting father of Ian, Amy and Connor Ryan. Step-father of Gabrielle Newman. James was born in Melrose, MA on December 30, 1959; son of Carol A. Ryan of North Haven and the late James J. Ryan, Sr. He lived his early years in MA where his passion for the New England Patriots, the Boston Red Sox and Bruins began. He later moved to Reading, PA, graduated from Holy Name High School and from Widener University in Chester, PA which led him to his fifteen year career with State Farm. Brother of Kathleen (James) Folmar of Oklahoma City, OK, Sharon Ryan-Johnson of Guilford, Judy (Ken) Ryan of Hamden, Andrew Ryan of Cromwell, Virginia (Paul) Sandella of Guilford, Peter Ryan of North Haven and Matthew Ryan of Henrico, VA. Also survived by his ex-wife Barbara Ryan of Norfolk, VA and a host of nieces, nephews and other family members and lifelong friends.
Family and friends are invited to go directly to Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church, Hamden on Saturday morning at 10:00 to attend a Mass of Christian burial and are also invited to attend the committal services immediately following in All Saints Cemetery. Afterwards, all are welcomed to join the family for a celebration of “faith, family and heritage”. There will be no visiting hours. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Ryan Children’s Education Fund, 27 Marion Dr., North Haven, CT 06473.
I am so very sorry for your loss. I will keep you all in my thoughts and prayers. I never had the opportunity to meet James, though I have heard wonderful things about him. May God be with you…
Thinking of the entire Ryan clan, and praying for the warm, cozy comfort of only good memories that keep Jim close in our hearts without grief, or any sense of loss, but rather joy in the knowledge that he is truly home and that they have gained a powerful advocate at heavens gate.
Gonna miss your friendship, your sense of humor, your intellect, and those two hollow legs Jim, Until next time, J
Pete and family
I am so sorry for your loss. You are All in my prayers.
Yesterday was a sad but great day – We laid my brother in law Jim Ryan to rest – The weather was beautiful, the turn out almost filled the church – The eulogy was the best I'd ever heard – a heartfelt religious, spiritual speech about the deceased, by his cousin Jim Wurz, that I think even blew the priest away – The procession to the cemetery was complete with 8 -10 thunderous motorcycles led by Jim's brother Pete. The Harleys followed directly behind the hearse, but would ride ahead and control traffic at each intersection, so no cars could disrupt the procession. (we thanks to Pete's friends ) – On arrival to the cemetery, we were greeted by the lone bag piper off in the distance . We carried Jim to his final resting place (next to his father) to the sounds of the bag pipes (thanks Tom Neville) – After the final words from the priest, with the bag pipes playing the siblings gave a final toast to their brother with a shot of Jim's favorite whiskey Diwinnies – a sad but great day
Stacey and family,
I am sorry to hear the news about Jim and that I cannot be there on Saturday. I wish you peace and strength and hope you can celebrate the beauty of his life as a family.
Sincerely, John
My sympathies go out to Stacey and family, this has been a hard struggle dealing with Jim's illness and passing. My thoughts and prayers go out to them during this difficult period.