James Bishop Ryan

James Bishop Ryan passed away on March 15, 2017 at the age of 97 years old. He was born in Yakima, WA to James Percy and Nina Frisbie Ryan on Oct. 20, 1919. He was raised on the family orchard west of Parker, WA where he attended grades 1-8. He then went to Yakima to attend Franklin Jr. High & to graduate from Yakima High School in 1937, where he met his future wife, Betty Schwarder. (They were seated alphabetically next to each other in their classes!) He attended Yakima Community Junior College for one year and then went on to study horticulture at Washington State College in Pullman, WA. World War II brought his college experience to a halt, just a bit short of a diploma. He volunteered for a civilian flying instructor program and, upon learning to fly at McAllister Field in Yakima, was sent, in 1942, to Twenty-Nine Palms, CA as a flight instructor. It was there that he first learned to fly gliders and eventually became a glider pilot instructor for the Army Air Force. When the war was over, he returned home to help his father, who was in failing health, run the orchards. He and Betty Schwarder were married in August of 1944. Together they embarked on a grand 72 year-long adventure, filled with the building and successful managing of fruit orchards, marriage, family, recreation and travel.

Jim was active in the Yakima Pomological Club, serving as President more than once. For 14 years, he was Scoutmaster for Troop 50 near Parker. He enjoyed working with youth of all ages. An avid fisherman & hunter, he also enjoyed backpacking into the mountains on foot and on horseback and loved wildflowers. Jim was a great storyteller and recorded many of his stories, often in the written form of letters. He was also a member of the First Baptist Church of Yakima.

Jim was preceded in death by his sister, Margaret Ryan Granholm; his brother, George Frisbie Ryan and their parents. He is survived by his wife of 72 years, Betty Ryan; their son, Roger Ryan; their daughter, Sally Hoy (Douglas); grandson, Timothy Ryan (Stacy); granddaughter, Heather Hoy Stribling (Kenneth); grandson, Daniel Ryan; grandson, Matthew Ryan (Katie) and 8 great-grandchildren (Alexandra, Sara, Nicholas, Zachary, Samantha, Teddy, Eleanor, Georgia & one more on the way). Along with these are Jim’s nephews, nieces, & many special cousins and their families… all of whom have played a truly great part in Jim’s life − and he, in theirs. Last, but not least, are the many dear friends that Jim has known over the years… and most recently − housekeeper, Maricela; Sabrina and her wonderful crew of caregivers; & Memorial Hospice & Home Care staff − all of whom have become his true-blue friends.

On Saturday, April 1, 2017, between 1 and 3 PM, there will be a celebration of Jim’s life at Rainier Memorial Center, 2807 Terrace Heights Drive. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Jim’s name may be made to Children’s Village (Yakima) or Children’s Hospital (Seattle). To share a memory of Jim please visit www.keithandkeith.com.