Ryan, James “Jim” Henry

James “Jim” Henry Ryan, age 87, passed away on Friday, May 24, 2024 at his home. He was born November 21, 1936 to James T and Helen (Blum) Ryan.  He grew up on a farm in Ridgeway and graduated from Ridgeway High School in 1953. Shortly after high school, he enlisted in the U.S. Army and was stationed in Japan.  After returning home, he worked for his brother-in-law in Middleton as a mechanic.

On September 8, 1962, he married the love of his life, Marlene Schuman. They began their life together in Madison, where Jim became a policeman for the City of Madison.  He was a Policeman for 15 years, before he and Marlene decided to pursue their dream of farming.  They bought a farm in Barneveld where they farmed for many years. They had a Dairy farm until 1999 when they moved on to raising beef cattle.  He loved the farm life, and he enjoyed reconnecting with his friends and family in Ridgeway.

Family was important to Jim.  He enjoyed spending time with his family at various family gatherings, from dinners spent telling stories to cheering on his children and grandchildren at sporting events. He was very involved in the lives of his children and grandchildren, sharing a special bond with each of them. 

He enjoyed his time with friends over coffee, playing cards, and participating in bowling leagues. He was also a committed member of the catholic church, where he participated in many church events and was a member of the Knights of Columbus. 

Jim enjoyed traveling, taking many trips throughout the years. Together, he and Marlene took some big trips to Ireland, Germany, Alaska, and Hawaii. They took many of these trips with his siblings, as they enjoyed each other’s company. Additionally, Jim and Marlene spent a lot of time driving through the continental US visiting many National Parks, exploring nature and visiting friends and family along the way. He had a particular fondness for the farmlands of Nebraska. 

Jim is survived by his son James Ryan of Barneveld, Marita (Joe) Kelly of Barneveld and Mark (Barb) Ryan of Mount Horeb; his grandchildren, Melissa (Daniel Scholten) Kelly, Mindy (Aaron) Feist, Jamie Kelly, Mitch Ryan, and Trey Ryan and one great grandchild, Nora Feist.  Two sisters, Helene (Ronnie) Gilbertson, and Theresa (Ladd) Puskus.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Marlene, his parents, James and Helen Ryan, his in-laws, Maral and Mabel Schuman, 5 brothers, Raphael, Robert, Vincent, Thaddeus, and Benedict and 5 sisters, Rosemary, Margaret, Kathleen, Monica, and Martha.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, May 31, 2024 at ST. BRIDGET’S CATHOLIC CHURCH in Ridgeway. Burial will be held in St. Bridget’s Cemetery. A visitation will be held from 9:00 a.m. until 10:50 a.m. on Friday at the church.

Gorgen-McGinley & Ayers 

Funeral Home

www.gorgenfh.com