James Francis Ryan Jr., 89, of Marion, MA died peacefully on November 19, 2013 at Sippican Healthcare Center. Jim was born in New Bedford, MA, the son of the late James Francis Ryan Sr. and Margaret (Murdoch) Ryan. He was the loving husband of Julie Race, devoted father to his three children, and proud grandfather (“Papa Ryan”). Jim was a man of faith and raised his family in the Catholic Church. He was known as a gentle, kind and patient soul.
Although Jim was a world traveler, having visited dozens of countries, he found his greatest happiness in the simple things of life. He loved everything associated with the water whether it was fishing, boating or swimming. He enjoyed all types of music and spent many years on the dance floor. Jim was an avid sports fan especially of the world series champion Red Sox. He spent countless hours reading and was an enthusiastic card player of cribbage and poker. He enjoyed the simple pleasure of a long walk with one of his various dogs.
Jim was formerly employed by the Massachusetts Division of Employment Security as a job counselor and Berkshire Hathaway as an accountant. In his later years, Jim worked with his wife, Julie, in her real estate business.
He was a graduate of New Bedford High School and Becker Junior College, and served in the Navy during World War II aboard the USS Callisto in the Philippines.
Jim is survived by his wife, Julie Race of Marion; son Robert Ryan and partner Marjorie Valm of Dartmouth; daughter Jo-Ann Ryan and husband Mike Couto of Wareham; daughter Pat Ryan-Blanchard and husband Bryon Blanchard of Harwich as well as his grandchildren Paige Ryan-Katsoules and husband Peter Katsoules of South Dartmouth; Turner Ryan and partner Rebecca Tiedemann of New Bedford; Nathan Blanchard of Harwich; stepson Roger Race and wife Margo Race-Moore; stepson Alexander W. Race; stepson John W. Race and wife Susan Race; and step grandchildren Kara Race, Julian Race, Eleanor Race, Elizabeth Race, Meredith Race, Rebecca Race and Skylar Race.
Jim and his family have been very grateful for the compassionate care provided by the staff at Sippican Healthcare Center in Marion.
A memorial service will be held on Sunday, December 8th at 1:00 PM at St. Gabriel’s Episcopal Church in Marion.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Jim’s memory can be made to the Salvation Army, P.O. Box 2091, New Bedford, MA 02741.
If you would like to leave a message for the family, visit www.ccgfuneralhome.com