James P. Ryan, Jr.

James P. Ryan, Jr., departed this life on March 9, 2017. He was 95 years old, a native of Phoenix and a member of a pioneer Arizona family. He was in the first graduating class (1940) from North Phoenix High School (now North High).

After graduating from Phoenix College, he enlisted in the Army Air Corps and served as a B-24 pilot in the 13th Air Force in the South Pacific where he flew 45 combat missions. After the war he completed his education at the University of Arizona where he earned his degree in Mechanical Engineering. While at the University he was a member of Phi Delta Theta fraternity.

He married Carol Osborn in 1953 in Carmel, California, and together they raised three children; James Peter Ryan, III, Ann Kathryn Ryan, and Timothy Joseph Ryan. They started out their life together in California, moved to Canton, Ohio, to build on his 20-year career with Diebold, Inc. and, upon retirement, moved back to Arizona and settled in Fountain Hills.

Jim and Carol enjoyed extensive travel together, which included trips to China, Africa and Europe. They also very much enjoyed their time boating in Ohio and West Virginia.

In Fountain Hills, Jim was active in Kiwanis, the Men’s Club, the Air Force Association and the First Families of Arizona Club. He was also a volunteer at the Fountain Hills Community Center and was recognized as Volunteer of the Year.

He was predeceased by his parents, James P. Ryan and Florence Forte Ryan, also of Phoenix, and his wife of 59 years, Carol Osborn Ryan.

Jim is survived by his children, James Peter Ryan, III and his wife, Mari Provenzono of Long Beach Calif., Ann Kathryn Ryan and her husband, Paul Tooley of Braddock Heights, Md. and Timothy Joseph Ryan and his husband Paul Thompson of Funkstown, Md. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Brian Ryan, James Peter Ryan, IV, Annie Provenzano, Sean Tooley, and Eva Tooley.

The family wishes to extend much gratitude to his special caregiver, Elizabeth Erion, who made it possible for him to live at home as he wished. A special thanks, also, to Valley of the Sun Home Health and specifically to Pam for her caring attention to him.

Memorial Services will be held at the National Veteran’s Cemetery in Cave Creek, Arizona on April 28, 2017 at 10:30 a.m. All are welcome.