James Edward Ryan

James Edward Ryan, 62, of Ocean Springs, passed into the arms of God on Saturday, May 28, 2011. He was born in Galveston, TX to the late Harry and Inez Bosarge Ryan on February 27, 1949. "Jimmy" will be remembered as a sentimental, hard working family man who was a caring and light hearted person. He retired after 30 years of service at the Chevron Oil Refinery where he worked as an operations supervisor. Jimmy also enjoyed golf, boating, fishing, classic films and Motown tunes. He enjoyed the many family vacations taken when his children were younger. Many local youth might remember his years of coaching Pee Wee football as the Falcons team coach, which kept him in touch with his love of sports, especially football. Jimmy was a 1967 graduate of Ocean Springs High School where he was a star running back. He attended Perkinston Community College where he also played football and baseball. Jimmy is survived by his loving wife of 42 years, Nancy Zanca Ryan of Ocean Springs; his three daughters, Jami Ryan (Scott) Haddox, Misti Nell Ryan, Ashli Ryan (Ian) Locke; his mother, Inez Bosarge Ryan; sister, Karon Ryan Engel; his twin brother, Johnny Ryan; and four grandchildren, James Samuel Ryan, Hendrix "Scout" Haddox, Joplin Skye Haddox, and Rylan Ian Locke, who all loved Paw-Paw dearly. Numerous nieces and nephews, his friends and loved ones have cherished the man he was and all know he can now run and play ball once again. Just as his favorite song, "Stand By Me" suggests, Jimmy always stood by those he loved. Mr. Jimmy, Daddy, Paw-Paw, "Red", all you were to us-----we will love and miss. Funeral services will be held Tuesday, May 31, 2011, at 2 p.m. at Bradford-O'Keefe Funeral Home in Ocean Springs where friends may visit from 12 noon until service time. Interment will follow in Crestlawn Memorial Park.