James G. Ryan

James (Jim) Grogan Ryan, 94, peacefully passed away on Monday, July 7, 2025, after a brief illness. Jim was a lifelong resident of Springfield, MA and spent his later years in Wilbraham, MA. He was the son of the late James David Ryan and Florence Grogan Ryan. He graduated from Classical High School and earned his bachelor’s degree from Clark University. While there, Jim was recruited to serve in the US Army’s Counter Intelligence Corps (CIC), and stationed in West Berlin, Germany during the Korean War Era. Upon returning to civilian life, he earned a master’s degree and CAGS from Springfield College. He worked in the Springfield Public Schools as a teacher, guidance counselor and guidance supervisor for over thirty years. Concurrently, Jim worked for over forty years as an adjunct professor of sociology and psychology at STCC. Jim was married for 54 years to Maureen Sullivan Ryan. In retirement they traveled extensively throughout the United States and Europe. Jim was predeceased by his wife, Maureen and son, John D. Ryan. He leaves three children: Paul (Patty) of Springfield, MA, Tim (Valeria) of Manchester, VT, and Mary Ryan Sullivan of Wilbraham, MA. In addition, Jim leaves four grandchildren: Allie Ryan, Sam Ryan, Jack Sullivan, and Michael Sullivan. Jim was a lifelong member of the Springfield Elks #61. He will miss his Friday night gatherings and good friends that made sure he got there. He also belonged to the Military Intelligence Association and the National Counter Intelligence Corps Association. His family would like to give special thanks to caregivers Hyacinth Dixon, Anita Williams and Andree Fitzpatrick. As well as Michael McCoul, P.A., Jim Cycz, N.P. and the staff at Chestnut Hill Nursing Home. Visitation will be held on Tuesday, July 15, 2025, from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at New England Funeral & Cremation Center, 25 Mill Street, Springfield, MA. The funeral home service will take place the following morning, Wednesday, July 16, 2025, at 9:00 AM, followed by burial with military honors at the Massachusetts Veterans' Memorial Cemetery, 1390 Main Street, Agawam, MA. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Jim’s memory to Valley Eye Radio, Springfield, MA. Please visit Jim’s memorial page at www.nefcc.net for expressions of sympathy.