In memoriam ~ James Ryan ’56 Posted on December 22, 2021 in Obituaries James Patrick Ryan ’56 Brother of Mike ’53 and Jack ’58 Ìý James Patrick Ryan, age 83 of Aitkin, died Tuesday, December 21, 2021 at his home from complications of Alzheimer’s and the onset of Parkinson’s.Ìý Ìý He was born February 13, 1938 in Brainerd to Joseph and Caroline (Hassman) Ryan.ÌýHe attended Mary Hill Academy in Aitkin,ÌýSaint John’s Prep at Collegeville, and then graduated from Saint John’s University with a Major in Sociology and a Minor in English.ÌýHe joined the National Guard where he was a cook.ÌýJames was united in marriage to Diane Marie Crosby June 30, 1962 at Saint Canice Church in Kilkenny, MN.ÌýFrom 1961 to 1971 he managed Davis Development Company and in 1971 he purchased Ryan’s IGA, selling in 1991.ÌýJim enjoyed cooking, being outdoors, hunting, golfing, fishing trips with friends, and checking the stock market daily.ÌýÌýHe was a member of Saint James Catholic Church and its finance committee, and served on the Aitkin City Planning Committee until 2018.ÌýHe was a strong supporter of Saint James Catholic Church in Aitkin and the Crosiers Seminary.ÌýJim cared about people – his friends, business employees, associate, and his community in Aitkin.ÌýHe loved spending time at the hunting shack and especially spending time with his family.ÌýHe was preceded in death by his parents: Joseph and Caroline (Hassman) Ryan, his sister Anne, and 3 brothers: Mike, Dick, and Jack. Ìý Jim is survived by his wife Diane of Aitkin, Daughter: Kathleen Marie Ryan of Minneapolis, Son and daughter-in-law: Patrick James (Brenna) Ryan of Baxter, 2 Grandchildren: Miles Crosby Ryan and Adeline Claire Ryan, Sister and brother-in-law: Mary (Rick) Godfrey of Oklahoma City, OK, Sisters-in-law: Judy Ryan of Aitkin and Helen Ryan Thielen, Many other special relatives and friends. Ìý Jim’s family would like to thank Riverwood Health Care Center and Heartland Hospice for the professional care received. Ìý Funeral Mass will be 11AM – Tuesday, December 28, 2021 at Saint James Catholic Church in Aitkin.ÌýVisitation will be 1 hour prior to the service at the church.ÌýFather David Forsman will officiate.ÌýPrivate Family Burial Service will be in Saint Thomas Cemetery, Aitkin.ÌýIn support of our health care community, masking is appreciated.Ìý Ìý Arrangements are with Sorensen-Root-Thompson Funeral Home & Cremation Services in Aitkin.ÌýTo leave a message of condolence please go to .ÌýMemorials are preferred in lieu of flowers to Alzheimer’s Association. Ìý
