Jim was born in a cabin in Cass Lake, Minnesota to John F and Irma R O’Ryan on September 3, 1922. He grew up in Bemidji, Minnesota. Jim joined the military and was an aviation cadet from March 1942 to March 1944. He then attended college at the University of Minnesota where he majored in mechanical engineering. While attending University of Minnesota he met and married Irene Kreisberg on July 8, 1950. They were married for 70 years.
Jim worked for Westinghouse in Wisconsin as an engineer after graduating from college. The family moved to San Jose, California in 1959 where Jim began working with General Electric. He then worked for Stanford Linear Accelerator (SLAC) during its construction from 1962-1966. He returned to General Electric where he worked until his retirement in 1983.
Jim was an avid reader and loved libraries. When he was missing from class as a young boy, he said his teacher always knew where to find him – in the local library. When still in his 20’s he and a friend canoed from northern Minnesota to Hudson Bay in a months-long journey. In addition to canoeing, Jim had many interests ranging from hydroponic gardening, hypnosis to flying. Jim maintained his pilot’s license and enjoyed flying a Cessna 172 with his family. Jim was a very patient tutor to his children in math and science. He will be missed greatly by his family for his kind demeanor, wonderful sense of humor and for being such a supportive and reliable father and husband.
He is survived by his wife, Irene O’Ryan, his brother Robert O’Ryan, his 3 children Felice, Rachel and Reed and his 3 grandchildren Rachel, Jacob and William. Jim was preceded in death by his daughter Laura O’Ryan.
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