James J. Ryan Jr., 76, passed away Thursday, Nov. 15, 2012, with his family at his side. 

He was a U.S. Navy veteran and relocated to Englewood, Fla., from Brookfield, Conn., in 1991. James retired from SNET (Southern New England Telephone) in 1988. Sports was his love and he participated in all of his children’s activities as well as his own. James was an usher at St. Raphael’s Church, and an active member in the Knights of Columbus, especially with organizing the golf tournaments, and obtaining donated articles for the V.A. Vets.

He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Anna Marie; sons, James J. III of Colorado, Timothy of North Carolina, Keith and Heather Ryan of Connecticut; daughter, Donna and John Krafick of Connecticut; eight grandchildren; brothers, David and Ruth Ann, Kevin, and Eileen, Terry, and Jeanne; and sister, Ann and Lee Mellinger. James is preceded in death by his sister, Helen Higgins.

Funeral Mass will be held at 10 a.m. Monday, Nov. 26, 2012, at St. Raphael’s Church. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to Tidewell Hospice, 5955 Rand Blvd., Sarasota FL 34238.

Arrangements are by Lemon Bay Funeral Home and Cremation Services.