James Bernard Patrick Ryan

James Bernard Patrick Ryan of Jackson, MI passed away on January 13, 2024 at the age of 76 years old after a long battle against lung cancer. He is survived by his son Ryan Graves (& Emily), his daughter Kelly Ryan, his granddaughter Ava Graves, former wife Gail Corbin, and his close friends Phil and Sandy Miller. He was preceded in death by his father Bernard Lawrence Ryan, his mother Margret Helen Ryan née Dunworth, and his daughter Jennifer Beth Ryan. He grew up in Jackson and graduated from St. Mary's High School. He enlisted in the military in 1966 and became a naval corpsman. He was assigned to the Marine Corps and he served in Vietnam. After his military service, he graduated from the Detroit Institute of Technology where he studied business administration and marketing. While still attending classes, he began working at Detroit Diesel Allison Division of General Motors as a salesman. He stayed with Detroit Diesel for more than 30 years before he moved to Texas and started working for Industrial Power Truck & Equipment. He spent 7 years in Texas before moving back up north to be closer to his family, eventually settling in his hometown of Jackson, MI.

James had a lifelong love for trains and planes. He enjoyed collecting model trains and he could often be found at the airport watching the planes depart and land and chatting with the pilots. One of his greatest pleasures in life was socializing with people. He was the life of any party and he made friends easily wherever he went. He was also a deeply religious man who always offered help to anyone who needed it and he gave generously to charity. Throughout his life, he loved visiting the family cottage in Newaygo, MI where enjoyed spending time with family and childhood friends, and going boating, water skiing, and snowmobiling. He was a loving friend and father, and he will be deeply missed.

The family would like to thank the VA, Residential Hospice, and Visiting Angels for the excellent care he received.

The Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, January 19, 2024 at 11:30 AM at Queen of the Miraculous Medal Catholic Church with Father Timothy MacDonald officiating.  A private interment will be held at Fort Custer National Cemetery in Augusta, Michigan.

The family will receive friends at Queen of the Miraculous Medal Catholic Church on Friday, January 19 from 10:30 to 11:30 AM.

Instead of sending flowers, contributions to the American Cancer Society, Queen of the Miraculous Medal Catholic Church, or the charity of your choice would be appreciated.

Desnoyer Funeral Home
Family Owned for 134 Years