Jim Ryon

Jim Ryon, of Independence, Missouri, passed away December 2, 2016, at Kansas City Hospice House. Private graveside services will be December 10. Visitation will be December 11, 2016 from 1-3 p.m. at McGilley State Line Chapel, 12301 State Line Road, Kansas City, MO. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Kansas City Hospice House or the Little Sisters of the Poor.

Jim was born November 21, 1935, in Kansas City, MO. He was a devoted brother, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend. Jim was a graduate of University of Missouri- Columbia and went on to do graduate work at the KC Art Institute. He spent a lifetime sharing his passion for art with others and nurturing artistic abilities in those he had the opportunity to teach. Jim enjoyed sharing his own work at art shows including the Plaza Art Fair, Westport Art Show and Brookside Art show. Jim was an art teacher at Kansas City’s East High School as well as Penn Valley Community College and he provided lessons and demonstrations to numerous group and individual classes and workshops over the years. Whether teaching or just sitting down with one of his children, grandchildren or great grandchildren, Jim enjoyed helping his students (including family) add that extra special touch (or even a little “carrot-person”) to their paintings or drawings. Jim’s fun-loving personality would shine through his artwork where he liked to include an extra touch of fun like the time he added Disney characters in the background of a poster he was commissioned to create for a bike race at Vail or by sending customized birthday cards and crafting his beautiful annual Christmas card. His flair for vibrant colors and the ability to create with the slightest stroke of a brush will be remembered and admired by all who loved him.

Jim was known for his quick wit and love for life. He was always ready with a joke to make you laugh. His golf game was another passion and he enjoyed a few holes in one along the way. If you asked him, he would probably tell you that the time spent on the 19th hole with friends was equally enjoyable. He treasured spending time with his family, watching movies, playing games and visiting the Nelson Art Gallery. He also loved spending weekends at the lake and sharing time and stories with family and friends. He will be deeply missed by the many lives he touched.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his siblings Hugh “Bud” and Jo Ann Ryon, and Charlene and Bill Rundstrom; his children Patty and Kevin King, Mike Ryon, and Karin and Jeff Lindmark; his grandchildren Julieanna and Ryan Yates, Micalah and Brian Thayer, Megan Lindmark, Daniel King, and Abby Lindmark; and great grandchildren Andrew, Eli, and Owen Yates, and Eden and Levi Thayer. Please offer condolences or share a special memory at www.mcgilleystatelinechapel.com.