James A Ryan

James Ambrose "Jim" Ryan, 66, of Kankakee passed away at his home on October 8, 2015. He was born on January 18, 1949 in Chicago to William (Bill) Aloysius and Jane Mary McNichols Ryan. Jim attended St. Joseph High School in Westchester, Illinois graduating in 1967. He was named to the Illinois All State Soccer team that year. He enlisted in the United States Army in March of 1969. Upon graduation from the Infantry Officer Candidate Course on May 15, 1970 he immediately completed both the Airborne and Ranger courses. The most gratifying assignment of his career was in Germany with the 3rd Armored Division. He spoke often of the "First men of war", a title that gave him an endless amount of pride. Jim concluded his service in 1986 at the rank of Major and assigned to the 85th Training Division, US Army Reserve. Jim spent the next 26 years in the construction field as a cost estimator, scheduling and project manager. He also spent 10 years as an adjunct professor in construction services at Kankakee Community College. The time he spent at KCC was perhaps his most treasured time. Jim married Teresa Kathleen (Kathy) Smith on December 31, 1985 in Waukegan, IL. The family moved to Kankakee in 1991 and coached 10 years with Eastside football and 6 years with the Kankakee Jaycees Little League. His desire to honor Brian Stone led to the development of the Brian Stone Memorial Tournament. "Keep them playing baseball". He was Adjutant of Kankakee American Legion Post #85 and Kankakee County American Legion Commander, he spear headed and implemented the support of, while deployed, and homecoming of "Kankakee's Own" C Company, ILARNG, and the 317th Engineers, USAR, as well as the development of Fort Kankakee, He led in the involvement of the various Veterans service organizations in the participation of 4th of July ceremonies at KCC, Pause for Patriotism and the dedication of Veterans Memorial at Small Park. Jim was a board member of Kankakee Community Development Corp. and Crime Stoppers. He was an ardent supporter of "Make a difference day and the Kankakee Valley Youth Symphony Orchestra. Jim is survived by his wife Teresa "Kathy" Ryan of Kankakee, and children Mary Kathleen (Katie) Ryan of Twin Lakes, WI, James Ambrose Ryan II of Kenosha, WI, Daniel Ryan of Chicago, and Andrew (Candice) Ryan of Belleville, IL and grandchildren Ava Kathleen, Cassie Lee, and Andrew James. He is also survived by siblings William (Linda) Ryan of Orlando, FL, Michael Dillon Ryan of Savannah, IL, Mary Kathleen (Lawrence) McCahill of Oak Park, IL, Mary Eileen (Robert) Altier of Westchester, IL, Jane (Glenn) Zilligen of Keller, TX, and Mary Margaret (Anthony) Daily of Forest Park, IL and a sister in law Terry Ryan of LaGrange, IL. He was preceded in death by his brother Richard Kennedy. Visitation will be held on Thursday, October 15th, from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Schreffler Funeral Home, Kankakee Chapel. Funeral Mass will be held on Friday, October 16, 2015 at 1:00 p.m. at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Kankakee. Cremation Rites will be accorded following the mass. Inurnment will be held at a later date at Queen of Heaven Cemetery, Hillside, IL. Memorials may be made to his grandchildrens education. Please sign his guesbook at www.schrefflerfuneralhome.com

James A Ryan

January 18, 1949 - October 8, 2015

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James A Ryan

January 18, 1949 - October 8, 2015

365 Days of Grief Support

What We Do

Sympathy Gifts

About Us

Resources

Obituaries

Grief & Healing

Contact Information