RIP James Allen Ryan

Today we buried my grandfather. It was a difficult day for me today since I lost someone and the funeral brought memories of my dads passing. James Allen Ryan was an amazing person here is what was written about his life.

He was the youngest of 7 children born to Salvationist parents, Orvile and Mary Ryan, on Feb. 18, 1931, in Columbus, Ohio. He was named after Commissioner John J. Allen of The Salvation Army and has always been affectionately known as "Al."

Al was a 1949 graduate of Central High School. He was employed at American Standard where he held various positions including foreman. Al also worked at Westinghouse, John W. Galbreth Co. and Grange and Allied Security. He was a volunteer chaplain at Mount Carmel West Hospital for five years.

Al was recently awarded the Long Service Medal for completing twenty-five years of volunteer services in various capacities of The Salvation Army in the Greater Columbus Area, ranging from Sunday School Teacher, Youth Ministries, Adult Ministries, Community Care Ministries and Bible Class Teacher.

As part of The Salvation Army Community Care Ministries, Al faithfully conducted a weekly Bible Study for residents at the West Park Nursing Home and Rehabilitation Center and at the Columbus home of his brother John. For The Salvation Army Youth and Adult Ministries he was an organizer of softball and basketball teams. Al led his team to many victories. He also served on the staff at The Salvation Army Greenwood Lake Youth Camp in Delaware, Ohio.

In the late 60's he was selected by The Salvation Army to attend the Glen Lyre School for Evangelism in Colorado Springs, CO. Through this schooling he learned how to spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ. His true passion was to seek and serve the lord. He placed his life on the altar and gave himself completely over to the lord. Al's desire was for everyone to know Jesus Christ and have the blessed hope of eternal life. For a few years, he also served as a minister of the Family Alter Leauge.

Al was known for the love and compassion he had for others. He had an uncoditional love for everyone he met. Al would spend many countless hours over the last year visiting with the lonely in nursing homes, home visits shut-ins, and hospital visitation. If you needed someone to pray with you, no matter what the time of day or night you could always count on him to be there. He loved to give of his time in service through various charities.

He loved to sit on the banks of the river fishing with his family and friends. It was during these times of relaxation that Al was able to share the story of his Savior.

One of the Lord's gracious and kind gentleman, James Allen Ryan entered into his new Eternal home on April 4, 2009 at 8 p.m. with his family at his side. He held fast to his Master's hand as he was guided safely home. He had been under hospice care, in recent weeks, due to declining health. he is now standing before his Lord, free from sickness, praising Him and His grace and faithfuness through the years.

Al's final words to his family and friends:

"God has always carried me through life and now God is carrying me through the Pearly Gates. As I wave goodbye to the loved ones I leave behing, I'm waving hello to all my loved ones there in Heaven."



Our Final Goodbye:

Al was a loving husband to Vera Waymire who he married on July 18, 1950 and was happily married for 45 years, until she was Promoted to Glory. He married Lelia Ladley in March 2000.

Al is survived by daughter, Penny Vance (Gary); sons James (leona), William (Bev), Thomas (Marie), Charles (Dani); brother, John (Frances); wife Leila and host of nieces, nephews, and cousins.

He was a loving grandfather to 12 grandchildren; James III, Steve, Mike, Gary, David, Ridge, Jessica, Thomas Jr., Susan, Beckie, CJ, and Caiden. Al was a loving great-grandfather to Kaitlyn, Elizabeth, joel, Cassera, Chase, Roana, Ro-N, Bryanne and Cheyanne.

Al was preceeded in death by wife, Vera; son Steve; mother; father; sister, Edith, and brothers, Daniel, ORville, Richard, and William.

He has heard the call of Mighty to save "Enter into Thy eternal rest. You have run the race and now receive your crown of victory. Well done, thy good and faithful servant."

Dad, Grandpa, Great-Grandpa, Uncle Al, Our beloved loved one, we will miss you because you have been loved by all. You are now one of God's special angels.