James J. Ryan Jr.'s Obituary
James J. Ryan, Jr, (78), poet, philanthropist, musician, and recruiter of Lowell, MA, passed on beautifully and peacefully in the very early morning on May 19th, 2021 with loving family by his side.
He was born in Elizabeth, NJ and was a Navy Veteran, having served as a Radar Operator aboard the USS Los Angeles.
Jim was a fine poet, inspired by ocean air, the outdoors, road trips, human relationships, and love. His book of poetry is pending publication and will be available upon request. He loved his family and attended every event - be it a simple dinner or elaborate wedding - cheering on those he loved. He also knew and cherished solitude and could often be found on his back porch strumming his guitar or reading a good book while basking in the sun.
As a musician - guitarist and singer - he was most inspired by folk music. But he also loved jazz, blues, and rock and roll, and (because he was an open-minded person) even attended a punk rock festival to please his sons and found bands he liked. He moved the many who saw him sing the part of Saint Peter in the Passion Play at Sacred Heart Church in Lawrence MA.
Because he knew that a person was more than their resume or credentials, and because he had great empathy and compassion, he formed devoted and loyal friendships wherever he went. He had mastered the art of becoming his true self and inspired others to have the courage to do the same. He was intelligent, handsome, gentle, and charming. He had the Irish gift of seeing the humor even in tough situations and would have you relaxing and laughing in no time. He brought happiness to all those he met, and now it is our responsibility to carry and spread the love of life and humanity he has forever left in our hearts.
He is survived by his children: Margaret (and Thomas) Tuttle of Portland, ME; Maria (and Dale) Randolph of Lawrence, MA; Julie (and David) Bowerman of Springfield, MA; Luke Ryan of Tucson, AZ; Matthew Ryan of Manchester, NH; and by his siblings: Eileen (and Richard) Carbin of Austin, TX; John (and Lois) Ryan of Overland Park, KS, and Joseph (and Kathleen) Ryan of Dover NH; as well as many many loving grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins and countless friends.
His family and friends wish to thank Beacon Hospice and especially the Penacook Place staff in Haverhill, MA for taking our place when we could not be there. You loved him and held his hand as he walked and danced his last year, bringing him great beauty and happiness. We are consoled that you loved him so, as we are all now consoled that he is laughing and dancing with the Angels. We will all love him forever.
Services will be private. In lieu of flowers we kindly request that you make a donation to Doctors Without Borders in his name at doctorswithoutborders.org. To send an online condolence please go to www.breenfuneralhome.com.
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