Name: Shadow Mountain Mortuary
Address: Phoenix, AZ

Sorry for your loss Ryan family. Mr. Ryan always sent me a note wishing me good luck before my Shadow Mountain basketball games in 1977/1978. I'll always remember that. He was a great man that I'll never forget. RIP Mr. Ryan.

I have long felt he had as great an impact on me as my parents did even though I knew him for two short years. He taught me lessons about self control and responsibility that I have carried with me for the nearly fifty years that have passed since I last saw him.  What a wonderful role model he was, and what a consequential life he lived. A lot of us are out in the world living his example and teaching it to our kids. For that reason many years from now his footprints will still be in the sand......

David Johnson  PVHS 1966

Mr. Ryan was my Civics teacher in 1964 at PVHS. He awakened in me the desire to learn and was responsible for me going to College and Law School. Thank you Jim RIP

To the Ryan family,
We are so sorry for your loss of a wonderful husband, father, grandfather,  and friend. I have lots of great memories of Jim as I grew up with Kellie. Our prayers are with you all for comfort and peace during this difficult time.

Jim Ryan was my favorite teacher and PVHS.  I was fortunate to be in two of classes-World History and Civics.  He as a great teacher.  He could make the most boring topics interesting.  I loved his sense of humor about Arizona politics. I enjoyed seeing him at class reunions.  My thoughts are with the family. (Class of 65)

May God keep you in his care, Jim and bless Gerry, your wife with your memory.

Seeing Jim's, picture sure brought back memories of our days working at Crystal Ice in Phoenix.  (1955 & 56)  Jim, was a delight to be around and had a great sense of humor.  He taught me how to restock the big yellow ice vending machines that used to be on so many corners, in Phoenix.  To his family, I am sorry for your loss.  Jim Tope

So sorry for the loss of Jim. He was a true patriot of this country, proud of his service in the USN, proud of his Montana cowboy persona, proud of his years as an educator and all of his students, and really proud of his wife and family. I had the pleasure of being his neighbor for awhile and loved to sit and discuss past and current events. He was always truthful, opinionated and fun to be around.  Gerry and his family and friends will miss the giant hole left in his passing. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.Maureen Clark(Williams Bay,WI/Phoenix, AZ)

Sorry for your loss Gerry, may god  comfort you at your time of need.Love Sam and Diane

Gerry, our time with Jim in Virginia City was full of fun. He enjoyed the kids and particularly enjoyed the after game parties at the Crystal Bar.It was great to work with him. We missed him when he left our town and will miss him even more now.  Fred and Karin

Kellie and Family,

Tom and I are holding you close to our hearts, in our thoughts and prayers. It was a true pleasure meeting your Dad and enjoyed visiting with him. We are truly sorry for your loss.

I was sorry to hear about Mr Ryan's passing.  I thought he was so good looking
and I enjoyed my history class with him.  I visited with him at our 25th 
class reunion and realized he was also
a neat man to know!!!  so sorry for your loss.
Sue Melohn (Clutters class of 1965PVHS)

I worked as a teacher and administrator under Jim on two different occasions at Superior High School. It was always great to be around him and I still use his advice as a Principal today. "Don't wrestle with the pigs because you both get dirty and the pig likes it!"  The Estatico's send our heartfelt condolences to Gerry and the Ryan Family.

Gerry,
What a grand life my friend Jim had and shared with others. Always love sharing "Jim Ryan" stories with my family and friends, from my student years at Laramie High School in the late 70's to present. Jim has always been a first class person, dear friend and great mentor, my life will always be richer for having Jim in it. Kelly and I will take care of things Wyoming Cowboy Style, just how our friend would want it and deserves it. 
Best always, your friend Eric Schilt.

Gerry, I had only recently come to know Jim and I fell in love with him during our first conversation.  I could tell what a kind and giving man he was.  I loved his sense of humor.  Please know that Bobbie an I have you in our thoughts and prayers.  Love Marilyn

My condolences to Gerry Ryan and the family.  Mr. Ryan was one of my two favorite teachers at PVHS.  He made learning interesting and fun and I looked forward to class.

I am sorry for your loss, he will be remembered well. He was a great man.
Our family will keep you all in prayers.


Mark Henry Class of 1979 SMHS
Diana McMannis Henry Class of 1980 SMHS

Please accept the condolences of the Phoenix Technical School Alumni committee which Jim was actively involved in.   The loss of Jim is shared by all of us and we will miss him so much.  Our heart felt sympathy is with you and please know that God will give you comfort during this very difficult time.

Mr. Ryan was a favorite of mine as PVHS. One memory I have is when I put myself "in a sling," I can still hear him shout to me from across the hall "Hoyt...meet me in my office!" ;-) All went well and he was a mentor. He was approachable, kind and "cool." Does anyone else remember his assembly in the gym for a Jim Croce tribute? I learned to appreciate music from that.

Thank you for your service to our country, Mr. Ryan, and to us "kids." You've made an impression on me and I will never forget you. My prayers are with your family.

Go with God and may you rest in peace.

You will always be a great remembrance for the team of "66". You and Coach Anderson taught us patience and how to persevere under pressure. Many of us became better and productive men in this world because of you. Thank you!!!!!

So sorry for your loss. Mr. Ryan was one of a kind and a great mentor to so many! He brought a certain spirit to so many people; specially to his students.Everyone loved him and I know will cherish very fond memories of his acts and his words of kindness. Gods Blessings to all who love and will miss this wonderful man!

I don't know what to say. I just saw Jim about a month ago. My heart goes out to Gerry and the rest of the family. I worked with "Mr. Ryan" during his last stint at Superior High School, and even though I know I was a "pain in his axx", he always supported me. The kids, the teachers and the rest of the staff, always came first, even if it meant butting heads with the school board. He that was that kind of guy. Jim was a "straight shooter", didn't put up with any guff... The best Principal I ever worked for, and I worked for a bunch. I  will always have fond memories of our friendship, especially building his custom motorcycle in the school shop. What a great project that was for the students... I wish I could make it to the funeral, but I am scheduled for some surgery at the VA on Monday.
I guess all I can say is 'Adios Compadre'

We were sorry to hear about Jim Ryan's passing. He always had a story to share and was one of a small group of teachers who stayed in touch with the kids he saw through school. God only made ONE Jim Ryan and he will be missed!

First of all my condolances to your families,
Mr.Ryan was a one of a kind principle to work with, I'm so glade we got to know him like we did, he luved wat he did n did wat he did for the kids.
I'm so proud to have him as one of my bosses n a pleasure to know he'll be missed dearly.especially at all the games but I know he'll be their in spirit.
                                                 Rachel Gudino Superior AZ.

So sad to hear about Coach Ryan. He was a great teacher and coach. My condolences to the family and friends.

"COACH" ~ sending special thoughts & prayers to Gerry & the family & thanking you both, for sharing your life w/ so many of "your" students all these years! So thankful to God for having such a dedicated teacher & friend...now continue to "coach" all those PVHS students that have passed before you & know that Gerry was "adopted" by us all many years ago, we've got "your" back, as YOU have always had ours! 
          GO TROJANS!!
Donna (Stone) Davis (Class of '65)
Phoenix, AZ.

Thank you for being a fun history teacher at PVHS!  With much respect, Patricia Carr-Jeriha (Class of 67)

Absolutely the best Principle any school ever had.  He and Gerri were our dearest friends and neighbors here in Willcox.  Our love to the family.  Cheryl and Larry Layton

I just want to say that Jim and I grew up together and we were best buddies, We may have gotten into a little trouble but that was part of growing up. In the 1960's I  was Assistant Supt of Paradise Valley schools and was fortunate to get Jim a job at PVHS  He was one of the most liked teachers and coaches , He will be missed so much by his former students and fellow teachers. Gerry stay strong in the Lord and know Jim is in a better place

OBITUARY

James Martin Ryan

2 March, 1935 – 28 November, 2014

Shadow Mountain Mortuary

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