Obituary of James J. Ryan

James Ryan, 93, of Canandaigua, NY was received into heaven on Sunday, January 3rd, 2021. He passed peacefully with family at his bedside, listening to his favorite Irish songs. He was predeceased by his loving wife of 58 years Lorrayne Ryan, and beloved son James Ryan, Jr. Jim, affectionately called Pop and Pop-Pop, will be missed dearly by his family. He is survived by his children Maureen (Michael) Johnston of Eaton, NY; and Stephen (Lorraine) Ryan of Canandaigua, NY; 5 grandchildren Matthew Johnston, James Johnston, Erin (Steven) Moore, Timothy Ryan and Caroline Ryan; and 3 great-grandchildren James, Miriam and Elizabeth Moore. Jim was the only child of Anna (Coyne) and Cornelius Ryan, born in Manhattan, NY in 1927. He grew up in the Edgewater section of the Bronx – and often shared childhood stories of hauling ice and coal, and surviving the Hurricane of 1938. Jim was a tremendous athlete and signed with the Pittsburgh Pirates baseball team after high school. He played several years in their minor league organization until service called. He proudly served his country during the Korean War in the U.S. Marine Corps. He always had a Marine Corps flag flying at his home because “Once a Marine, Always a Marine”. After the service, Mom told him baseball wasn’t a real job – and so began Jim’s careers at the Borden Dairy Company and the NY City Transit Authority from which he retired. Although raised in the city, Jim was a country man at heart – and greatly enjoyed his later years living in both Eaton and Canandaigua. He was an avid fisherman and lover of wildlife. He loved the peace and serenity of quiet reservoirs and lakes – and you would often find him fishing off the bridge at Eatonbrook or at the Canandaigua Pier. Jim’s love of sports continued his whole life – whether playing, officiating or watching his favorite teams. He was a Division 1 Basketball Referee and Baseball Umpire. Jim was a devoted grandfather who loved supporting his grandchildren at all of their community, school and sporting events. He loved having his reserved seat behind the backstop and at center ice. There are no words to express how much our Pop will be missed. He was our family’s Hero, who was never afraid to tell it like it is. He was funny and sarcastic - a larger than life personality. He taught our family about love and loyalty – and he will live on in our hearts forever. A family Funeral Mass and Interment will be private. A memorial celebration of Jim’s life will be planned for a later date when all can attend. In honor of his love of animals, donations in Jim’s memory may be made to Happy Tails Animal Shelter, 2976 County Road 48, Canandaigua, NY 14424; or Wanderers Rest Humane Association, PO Box 535, Canastota, NY 13032. To share a memory or express condolences online please visit www.fullerfh.com.