James Robert Ryan (Bob) passed away peacefully on September 11, 2024 in Arlington Heights, Illinois. He was born on April 11, 1927 in St. Louis, Missouri to James and Effie Ryan.
He is survived by his wife Wanda J. Ryan (nee Morris), his daughters Lisa Ryan-Hutton and Carrie Ryan Washburn, his grandchildren Austyn Anna James, Jennifer Ryan Hutton and Kacie Ellen Washburn, his sister Marcia Ryan Zuvanich and many nieces and nephews.
Bob is preceded in death by his parents, his foster parents Adam and Harriet Zuvanich, his siblings William Joseph Ryan, Harold James Ryan, Phillip Zuvanich and Paul Zuvanich, his sons-in-law Gary Hutton and Ricci Gilbert Washburn and his sisters-in-law Barbara Branes and Barbara Zuvanich.
Bob served in the Seabees of the United States Navy during the end of World War II. He helped rebuild efforts in the Philippines after the end of the War. He was very proud of his dedication and service to our country.
After his service, he attended and graduated from Oklahoma State University earning his Bachelors degree concentrated in Fire Protection Engineering. During high school and through college Bob worked as a firefighter at the Ponca City and Stillwater Fire Departments. He worked in high risk insurance industry during his career where he inspected industrial properties, trained engineers, and designed a fire protection training and test lab.
He was an avid golfer and played many courses around the world. He loved to travel with his wife and his children. Bob had a great sense of humor and enjoyed telling stories and jokes with family and friends. He enjoyed listening to all genres of music and reading American history. He was a member of the Freemasons. Bob was very active in his church, Kingswood United Methodist Church in Buffalo Grove, where he sang in the choir, and served on the board and various committees
The family wish to thank all of our dear friends, Paster James Preston, the staff of Waverly Inn Memory care, and Bob’s hospice nurses for their kind support and care. As Bob (dad) always said, “Be safe.”
A Memorial Service will take place at 12:00PM on Thursday, September 19, 2024 at Kingswood United Methodist Church, 401 W. Dundee Rd. Buffalo Grove, Illinois 60089. Interment will be prior to the Memorial, Private.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to St Jude Research Hospital, Paralyzed Veterans of America, and Kingswood United Methodist Church in Buffalo Grove Illinois. Please use donation links below to donate.
Funeral Information and condolences can be given at www.GlueckertFH.com or (847) 253-0168.
