James J. Ryan

James J. Ryan, 86, of Van Wert, went to be with his Lord and Savior at 7:52 p.m. Sunday, March 9, 2014, at the Van Wert Area Inpatient Hospice Center.

He was born December 28, 1927, in Van Wert County, the son of the late Walter and Bessie Ryan. He married Joan (Snyder) Ryan, who preceded him in death.

Survivors include five children, Larry (Paula) Ryan of Van Wert, Carol (Phil) Kreischer of Convoy, Donna (Steve) Myers of Convoy, Linda (John) Fulk of Van Wert and Keith (Donna) Ryan of Fort Wayne, Ind.; a brother, Louie Ryan of Convoy; two sisters, Refa Mohr and Marilyn (Warren) Reed, both of Convoy; 15 grandchildren, Laura, Brett, Marc, Lance, Ashley, Jon, Becky, Justin, Scott, Terry, Wesley, Carrie, Lyndsey, Jordan and Ben; and many great-grandchildren.

Mr. Ryan retired from Continental Can Company in Van Wert after 43 years of service, and had also farmed. He was a faithful member of Convoy United Methodist Church and a veteran of the Ohio National Guard.

James and Joan had retired to Mission, Texas, for over 20 years before moving back to Convoy. He enjoyed traveling, playing cards, taking walks, and, in retirement, golfing. But above all else, he loved spending time with all of his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Private family services will be held. Burial will be in IOOF Cemetery in Convoy.

There will be no visitation.

Preferred memorials: Van Wert Area Inpatient Hospice Center, c/o Community Health Professionals, 1159 Westwood Drive, Van Wert, OH 45891.

Arrangements were handled by Alspach-Gearhart Funeral Home & Crematory in Van Wert.

Online condolences may be left at www.alspachgearhart.com.