James J Ryan

JAMES J. RYAN, age 90, Inverness, died January 5, 2013 under the loving care of his family and Hospice of Citrus County. Jim was born on December 6, 1922 in Brooklyn, NY to the late Edward and Catherine (Cartwright) Ryan. He served our country for three years in the United States Navy as a pharmacist ship mate. Upon leaving the Navy, he opened a gas station in Port Washington, NY, which he owned for the next 36 years. As he could not stay retired, he went to bartender school and worked for a fine restaurant in Jericho, NY. Jim was preceded in death by his first wife of 46 years, Peg in 1984. He met his second wife, Eileen and they were married in 1988. Upon a trip to Citrus County to meet Eileen’s family, Jim loved the area and they purchased a home here. Continuing to stay active, Jim joined the Citrus Co Sheriffs Highlands Crime Watch and Citrus Memorial Hospital Volunteers. He then applied for the job of bartender for the Inverness Golf and Country Club, a job he enjoyed for 13 years, before his Parkinsons disease forced his final retirement. He enjoyed golfing and the many friends he made there; he knew every members number and what their drink of choice was! James was a member of the VFW #4337 of Inverness. He enjoyed his membership at Inverness Golf and Country Club. James was a parishioner at Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church. Left to cherish his memory is his wife of 25 years, Eileen Ryan of Inverness; son Thomas Ryan, Buffalo, NY, daughter Patricia (Harry) Rothar, Sayville, NY, stepsons Richard Nessim, Levittown, NY, Daniel (Judy) Nessim, FL, Charles Nessim and stepdaughter Joann (Donnie) McCabe, all of Levittown, NY, grandchildren Jill, Chris, Tina, Lisa and stepgrandchildren Ryan, Sean, Rachael, John and Mariah as well as several great-grandchildren; nephews Mike (Toby) Ryan, MA and Jeff (Petra) Ryan, FL; niece Jill (Norman), RI. He will be dearly missed by all. He was preceded in death by his first wife of 46 years, Peg, a stepson John Nessim, brother Edward and sisters Fran and Eileen. A memorial service will be held at the Chas. E. Davis Funeral Home on Friday, February 15, 2013 at 3:30 PM.