James Donald Ryan Jr.

Born in Norwalk, Connecticut, to Donald and Barbara, he grew up in Norwalk and Fairfield alongside his sister, Robin, and brother, Dennis. A graduate of Fairfield College Preparatory School and Rutgers University, where he studied history and Russian, he began a career that would span more than four decades in publishing, health care communications, leadership, and pastoral care.

Above all, his children and grandchildren were his pride and joy. He was an active, steady, and loving presence in their lives, and family remained at the center of his world. Even during years when his career required extensive travel, when he was home, he was truly home. He enjoyed reading to his children each night, attending school and sporting events, and finding ways to simply be present. As his family grew, that same devotion extended to his grandchildren, whose lives brought him tremendous happiness.

He built a distinguished career in medical publishing, beginning as a college textbook sales representative before becoming a medical acquisitions editor, publisher, and senior executive. Over the years, he worked with physicians and health care organizations across the country, helping develop medical textbooks, patient education programs, and innovative health communication initiatives. He was especially proud of work that helped patients better understand and manage their health.

The work that came to mean the most to him happened later in life. Guided by a deep and continually evolving faith, he devoted himself to serving others through the Stephen Ministry, prayer ministry, homebound ministry at St. Norbert Catholic Church, community organizations, and mentoring. After completing Clinical Pastoral Education through Main Line Health, he began a second vocation in pastoral care.

Most recently, as Pastoral Ministries Coordinator at Maris Grove Senior Living, he provided spiritual and emotional support to residents and families, led interfaith programs and grief support groups, and presided over funerals, memorial services, and interments. He considered the opportunity to accompany others through some of life's most difficult and sacred moments one of the great privileges of his life.

Outside of his professional and pastoral work, he embraced life with curiosity and enthusiasm. An avid runner and swimmer, he completed numerous marathons and half marathons as well as several triathlons. Running remained an important part of his life for decades, and while living in Swarthmore, he co-founded a community road race that continues today. He loved the beach, watching sports, classical music, the arts, and reading. A lifelong learner, he was rarely without something new to read, consider, or discuss.

His faith was a defining thread throughout his life. What began in childhood, attending church each Sunday with his family, deepened over the years through service, study, prayer, and his own experiences of joy and loss. He believed deeply in being present for others — listening, encouraging, comforting, and offering companionship without judgment. Those who knew him experienced his thoughtfulness, compassion, intellectual curiosity, and genuine interest in the lives of others.

He is survived by his children, Meredith [Mark] and Isabelle, his beloved grandchildren, Kendra and Asher, and his sister, Robin Ryan. He was predeceased by his parents, Donald and Barbara, and his brother, Dennis.

A funeral Mass will be held at St. Norbert Church, 6 Greenlawn Rd., Paoli, PA 19301 on Monday, August 17, 2026 at 10:30 AM. Visitation will begin at 9:00 AM

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (PanCAN) at pancan.org