James L. Ryan

James L. Ryan, age 84, of Leesburg, Ohio, passed away on Saturday, December 3rd, 2022, at home, where he was devotedly cared for by his true love, wife and partner of 50 years, Patty Walker Ryan.  

He is the beloved father of Brenda Ryan Poczatek, Kris Ryan, Shannon Ryan (Roscoe) Hampton, Shellie Ryan (Todd) Cunningham, and Patrick (Katie) Ryan.  Left to cherish their memories with Papaw are grandchildren: Tyler and Morgan Poczatek; Maggie Pat, Ryan, and Maura Donahue; Jackson and Paul Cunningham; Beau, Cora, and Gus Ryan.  He is also survived by his sister, Dorothy Ryan (Leroy) Smith, nephews and niece Eddie Smith, Jimmy Smith, Sharon Welch, sister in-law Nancy Walker Garcia and her family, Jacalyn Walker, and Betty Ann Walker.

Jim was born on Mound Street in Sabina, Ohio, on June 27, 1938, to the late Paul and Hazel (Chaney) Ryan.  Jim graduated with the Sabina High School class of 1956. He was a jack-of-all trades that could fix anything. He retired from delivering milk and then spent many years baling hay with his family.  He loved horseback riding and competing in horse contesting especially with his favorite horse, Tarzan; he rode horses into his 80's.  Jim had an outgoing personality that cultivated lots of friends and wonderful memories.  In his later years, he took great pride in caring for his many grandchildren and his home outside of Leesburg.  Jim attended Highland United Methodist Church; he will be greatly missed by his family, but the many great stories he told will live with them forever.

Jim is also preceded in death by his brother Francis (Bud) Ryan and his in-laws, Jack and Virginia Walker.  

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Highland United Methodist Church. P.O. Box 97, 7834 West Main Street, Highland, OH 45132

Abiding by Jim's wishes, a private graveside service will be held at the New Vienna cemetery.  Littleton Funeral Home, Sabina, has been entrusted with arrangements. 
 

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