James "Jim" Ryan

Jim was born in Brooklyn, New York to Edward Ryan and Alice Nejelski Ryan on March 18, 1941.  He went to school in Brooklyn, New York and Avondale, Arizona before enlisting in the United States Air Force.  He married Mary Ann Swedish on October 7, 1962 in Ozone Park, New York.

He worked in the aviation industry for more than 28 years, notably Eastern Airlines (who transferred him to Florida in 1969), Carnival Airlines, Pan Am Airlines and Chalk’s Flying Seaplanes.  Upon leaving aviation, Jim worked for the City of Hollywood as a Parking Enforcement Officer. A proud Air Force veteran, Jim was recently honored by the City of Pembroke Pines for more than 50 years of service on the City’s Board of Adjustment.  Elected in 2006, Jim was currently serving as Commissioner on the South Broward Drainage District having been re-elected since 2006.

Jim is a member of the St. Maximilian Kolbe Catholic Church, the South Florida Pistol Club, the Democratic Club of Pembroke Pines and the Ham Radio Club (KA4RRM).

Jim is preceded in death by his parents, Alice and Edward (Tip) as well as brothers, Patrick, Edward, John and Thomas Ryan.

Jim is survived by his beloved wife Mary Ann (60 years together) Proud Father of Son, Jimmy (Laura) Daughter, Carolyn (Evan Antonoff) Adoring Grandfather to Justin Antonoff, Amanda Ryan, Kori Ann O’Neil and Kodi Schaefer.  Cherished Great Grandfather (Pop Pop) to Benjamin and Laura Ann O’Neil.

A Celebration of Life Gathering will be held on Wednesday, December 14, 2022 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Fred Hunter’s Funeral Home on Taft Street followed by a reception at Fred Hunter’s Community Center from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

A Memorial Mass to be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, December 16, 2022 at St. Maximilian Kolbe Catholic Church in Pembroke Pines (Hiatus Road and Johnson Street). Inurnment at Our Lady Queen of Heaven Cemetery, 1500 North State Road 7, North Lauderdale, Florida immediately following the service.