On Wednesday, March 15, James ("Jim") Francis Ryan, Sr., devoted husband, father and grandfather, passed away at 90 years of age.  Born in Baltimore to Helen and Milton Ryan, Jim was a graduate of the Baltimore Polytechnic Institute, served in the Navy aboard the submarine Sirago (SS-485), and achieved his Bachelor of Science Degree from Johns Hopkins University.  He is survived by his loving wife of 62 years, Marlene, his daughter Jackie, sons Jim Jr. and Rob, his daughter-in-law Beth, and his grandchildren Alan, Shannon, Claire, Phillip, Matthew and Stephen.

The last of his immediate clan, Jim was preceded in heaven by his sisters Kitty, Patsy and Joanne, and his brother Jack.  Jim thoroughly enjoyed opportunities to celebrate important family occasions with his siblings and 24 nieces and nephews.  Jim and Marlene also enjoyed their time with Jackie and Nelson, Marlene's sister and their brother-in-law.  Jim often spent time with them, enjoying a dinner out, celebrating a family event, or kneading raisin bread and drinking whiskey sours while preparing for a family holiday.

Jim loved his work.  He served as the Purchasing Agent for Anne Arundel County Government for over 25 years.  He loved the people he worked with and constantly spoke of their devotion and hard work for the county.  He worked knowing that his contributions were for the betterment of the citizens of the county.

From early in his life, Jim participated in social and community organizations that focused on community service in a spiritual way.  Whether it was the Gemma organization where he met Marlene and established many lifelong friendships, or the Knights of Columbus where he served the community and proudly served as the Deputy Grand Knight of the Father Michael J. McGivney Council.  He was a member of the Annapolis Council at the time of his passing.

An avid Orioles and Ravens fan, Jim was always optimistic that his teams had a shot at the World Series or Superbowl every year.  For over 20 years, Jim visited more than 20 ballparks around the country with his sons, his brother-in-law Nelson, and his grandchildren to root for the Orioles in other cities.

A spiritual man, his faith always guided him.  He fiercely believed in taking care of his family and friends.  He always had a kind word, saw the best in others and supported their goals and dreams.

Jim's family will miss him deeply, but take comfort in knowing that God is holding him in the palm of his hand, and that as always, he will be looking out for all of us.

A visitation will be held on Wednesday, March 22, 2023 from 2-4 and 6-8 pm at Barranco Severna Park Funeral Home & Cremation Care, P.A. 495 Ritchie Highway, Severna Park, MD 21146. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday, March 23, 2023 at 10am at St. John the Evangelist Roman Catholic Church, 689 Ritchie Hwy, Severna Park, MD 21146. The Celebration of Life for James Ryan will be at The Atreeum at Soaring Timbers, 610 N. Bestgate Rd, Annapolis, starting at 11:30 am on March 23, 2023. The inurnment will be on Tuesday, March 28, 2023 at 10 am at Maryland Veterans Cemetery Crownsville, 1122 Sunrise Beach Road, Crownsville, MD 21032.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be sent to the Parkinson's Foundation at www.parkinson.org , in honor of James F. Ryan, Sr.