Obituary of James J. Ryan

James J. Ryan, of Syracuse, NY, passed away Friday, March 20th peacefully at home, surrounded by loved ones after a courageous battle with cancer. He was born in Scranton, PA, to Jeanne M. Ryan and the late Maurice T. Ryan. Jim retired last May after 40 years with the railroad as a freight car inspector. He started his career with the railroad at the age of 19 working for Penn Central, then Conrail, and lastly CSX Transportation. He was a proud member and former steward of the Transport Workers Union. Jim was predeceased by his father and sister, Margaret Murphy. He leaves behind his wife, Mary E. Ryan, children; Kathryn Ryan, Raymond Ryan, Kimberly (Michael) Kraus, and Sean (Amber) Ryan, grandchildren; Laila, Declan, Liam, and Rylee, longtime companion Hildegard DeBaise, his mother, two sisters, Jeanne (David) Brolan, and Mary Judith (Rick) Dykes, four brothers, Pierce (Martha) Ryan, Maurice (Kathy) Ryan, Robert (Alice) Ryan and Dennis (Melissa) Ryan. Services will be held Wednesday at 10am at Most Holy Rosary Church, 111 Roberts Ave. Calling hours will be held Tuesday from 4-7pm at the Edward J. Ryan & Son Funeral Home, 3180 Bellevue Ave. Burial is in St. Agnes Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital: 501 St Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.