James A. Ryan Jr. Obituary

James Aloysius Ryan Jr., 84 of Hanson, MA, passed away peacefully on September 28, 2021, with his loving family by his side. Jim was born on June 12, 1937, in Arlington, MA to James A. Ryan and Cecelia Williams Ryan and moved to Gloucester, MA where he spent most of his life. Jim was a graduate of Gloucester High School, New Prep, and Tufts University where he received a degree in Civil Engineering.

Jim worked at the Engineering firm of Metcalf & Eddy for more than 50 years and was a Certified Professional Engineer up to the time of his death. At the age of 79, he started a second career as an award-winning Cartographer producing historical maps of his beloved Cape Ann. His award-winning Quarry map can be found in many local homes and businesses.

In 1961, Jim married the love of his Life Judy (Brown). Jim and Judy spent 60 wonderful years together living and raising their family in Plum Cove. Jim had many interests and hobbies during his life. He was a scratch golfer captaining his golf team at Tufts. He loved tennis as both a player and a spectator and was a huge New England Patriots/Tom Brady fan.

Jim was a self-taught carpenter and used his skills to completely redesign and remodel his Plum Cove home many times over. He was an accomplished stone mason and built an incredible granite fireplace in his home. He was known to say that he ruined two cars and his one back in that process. He loved Antique furniture and would scour antique stores for relics that he would restore in his workshop.

He was also very artistic carving and painting Clipper Ships into Mahogany that would later be given to friends and family as welcome signs. For many years, Jim was an avid boater and had many adventures with his family aboard his 17 ft Boston Whaler. He was a golf historian and collector of classic golf clubs that he would proudly show to all that were interested.

He was also a classical music enthusiast with an incredible collection and knowledge of different pieces of music. He also had an incredible love of animals. In his youth he raised carrier pigeons and when his children were young, he raised many, many, many French Lop rabbits. His biggest love was always dogs. Over his life he had both Irish and English Setters and even a Gordon setter for a time.

This love of dogs was passed down to his children. Jim and Judy had a special bond with a close-knit group of friends that affectionately referred to themselves as CONCLAVE, five couples who became one extended family. Jim is survived by his wife of 60 years, Judith (Brown) Ryan; his son, James Aloysius Ryan III; his daughter, Whitney Jane Trapp; his son-in-law, David Trapp; his daughter-in-law, Christine Ryan; his grandchildren, Emily Jane Trapp, Mathew Ryan Trapp, Abigail Louise Trapp, Jaime Elizabeth Ryan, Seamus Patrick Ryan, Katherine Bridget Ryan, and Erin Grace Ryan; his grand dogs, Jack, CeCe, Hercules, and Talia.

He is also survived by his sisters-in-law and brother-in-law and many special nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents, his brother, Richard Williams Ryan, and his sister, Louise Ellen Gordon. There will be a graveside service at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, October 14, 2021, in Beechbrook Cemetery, Gloucester followed by a celebration of his life at 11:30 a.m. at the Minglewood Harborside, 25 Rogers Street, Gloucester MA.

The family would like to thank Hope Health Hospice for providing such compassionate care for Jim and his family in his final days. In lieu of flowers, please feel free to donate in Jim's name to Hope Health Hospice & Palliative Care, 1085 North Main Street, Providence, RI 02904 or to the charity of your choice. Arrangements by Greely Funeral Home, 212 Washington Street, Gloucester, MA 01930.