James "Jim" Arthur Ryan

Mr. Ryan was a member of Grace Baptist Church where he served on the missions committee and sang in the choir. He retired from the Department of Justice in 1993 after 32 years of service. He was a veteran of the US Army, having served in Vietnam. His life was marked by his devotion to God. His passions were his family, church, music, and missions. He also enjoyed golf and car racing.

Mr. Ryan was preceded in death by his faithful wife of 46 years, Blenda Ryan, parents Gerald and Edith Ryan, brother Joseph Ryan, brothers-in-law Willard Martin, Charlie Neal, and Jack Brown, and sister-in-law Bonnie Neal.

He is survived by daughters Tracy (Curt) Rowell and Melissa (Duane) Ferrel, both of Chattanooga, TN, and grandchildren Bethany, Olivia, James, and Stephen Rowell, and Morgan, Maddie, Connor, and Meg Ferrel, all of Chattanooga, TN. Other survivors include sister Jean Martin of Charles Town, WV, sister-in-law Myrna Ryan of Charles Town, WV, sister-in-law Mary Brown of Locust Grove, GA, and many cousins, nieces, and nephews.

The family will receive friends Wednesday, March 27, 5-9pm, at the East Brainerd Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home. Additional visitation on Thursday, March 28, 10-11am, will precede the 11am funeral service, both at Grace Baptist Church.

The family will receive friends in Flatwoods, WV, Friday, March 29, 10-11:30am, at the Stockert-Paletti Funeral Home. Graveside service and interment will follow at noon at Little Kanawha Memorial Gardens in Heaters, WV.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Music Department of Grace Baptist Academy, 7815 Shallowford Road, Chattanooga, TN 37421.

The family would like to thank every worker at Morning Pointe Assisted Living Residence on Shallowford Road, and the case workers at Hearth Hospice, for the love and care lavished on our dad (and Papaw) in his final years. Your kindness has meant more than we can express.

Arrangements are by the East Brainerd Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home, 8214 East Brainerd Road, Chattanooga, TN 37421. Please share your thoughts and memories at www.ChattanoogaEastBrainerdChapel.com