James Timothy Ryan
James Timothy Ryan, age 78, died October 10, 2025. He had experienced the effects of dementia for a number of years.
Jim came from a close, loving family and was preceded in death by his mother, Jeanette, and his father, Timothy, and his brother, Joseph Ryan. He grew up in South St. Louis, and he had many fond memories of those years with his immediate family along with his grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins.
Jim spent his career in service of others. He worked for 28 years at the St. Louis County Family Court and retired as the Director of Child Abuse/Neglect and the Detention Center. Jim then began a yearlong faith-based volunteer program for young adults for the Vincentian Priests and Brothers. He welcomed the first group of Gateway Vincentian Volunteers in 2000 and continued as the GVV Director until his final retirement in 2012. As a retiree, he volunteered with DePaul USA, a program that provides permanent, supportive housing to homeless individuals. Jim loved checking in on clients and taking them grocery shopping and to various appointments, etc. He continued volunteering until he was no longer able.
Jim was a man of great faith, and for many years he was an active member of St. Vincent DePaul Parish and an Affiliate of the Midwest Province of the Vincentian Priests and Brothers. He was a quiet man but one with a wonderful dry wit, who often liked to play little jokes on people. He had a fierce sense of justice and cared deeply about those who live on the margins. He loved his family and valued time with them. He was generous, kind, funny, loyal, and steadfast, and he fought dementia with everything he had for years.
Jim leaves behind his wife of 52 years, Geralyn (Kassing) Ryan and his sister-in-law, Sharon Ryan. He will be deeply missed by the many people who loved him.
A memorial mass will be celebrated on November 6, 2025, at 10 A.M. at St. Vincent DePaul Church, 1408 S. 10th, St. Louis.
In honor of Jim, you may consider making a donation to DePaul USA, 2904 Arsenal Street, Saint Louis, MO 63118.
Love this man and his devotion to his family and his social justice work. What an enormous difference he has made for those among us who need the most love and support. Thanks, Jim ❤️
I met Jim almost two years ago. He was an awesome person to know. I felt honored to know him. His smile will be forever remembered in my heart. He touched me deeply.
I worked alongside Jim Ryan at the St. Louis County Family Court for many years. His passion for his work was tempered only by his wit. I was honored to consider him a friend and colleague. Especially in these troubled times we could all benefit by complying with Jim’s constant admonition to “do the right thing.” Rest in peace friend.
Jim and Jerry it has been an honor to love you both in the short time we’ve known each other. Jim your soft kisses, smiles and big blue eyes glazing at me told me everything I needed to know about your character and compassion as a human being. I will miss seeing you and Jerry around. Your love for one another exemplifies what a strong healthy marriage looks like. There wasn’t a day that Jerry was not there cheering you on! This totally breaks my heart…until we meet each other again 🙏🏼🕊️💔
Jim and I were both unit leaders at the County Detention Center, then later shared supervisory duties there, then were golf partners at many of the County’s tournaments and finally were co- workers at the Family Court. Throughout all of that time I found Jim to be a man of integrity with a sharp (and understated) wit. He will be missed by me and the many others who grew very fond of him during his years in the juvenile justice system.
Jim had such a wonderful sense of humor and always so kind to me. My grandpa,Del Schwinke, thought Jim was the best golfer in the family as they spent many very very early Sunday mornings playing with my dad too. My mom was so proud of her cousins,Jim and Joe. I appreciated Jim and Geri being so welcoming when my husband and I welcomed our daughter from India 24 years ago. Jim was an honest and kind man. I’ve missed seeing him
Jim has left a permanent mark on my heart and mind with his kindness, thoughtfulness, and quiet silliness. His life of service continues to inspire me and I know it always will. Getting to be one of Jim and Geri’s Gateway Vincention Volunteers was one of the most formative and guiding experiences of my life. I wouldn’t be the person I am today without their influence and example. Jim lived with a purpose and such a giving heart. I feel so blessed to have known him. Love you Jim!
I’m so grateful to have met Jim and Geri. It was a pleasure working with Jim while he was going through what was probably one of the hardest time in his life. I believe Jim, Geri, myself and the staff at Dublin built a bond as we continued to work together. He was special to all of us. He had the opportunity to experience true love from his wife Geri. She was there with him and for him 100%. I hope Jim will look down on her and stay as close to her as possible. He will truly be missed. I’m so grateful that I had the opportunity to see him within a week of his passing. ❤️ Thank you Geri.
It was (is) an honor to know Jim and Geri. So
many memories. Golf, dinners, working at GVV, commiserating about the state of the world. Jim’s dry wit made time with them fun and uplifting. I will treasure these times. See you soon, Geri!
Getting to know Jim and Geri during my grandmother’s time at Dolan was truly memorable. Making a connection with someone who was experiencing the same thing our family was, was truly a comfort to all of us. Geri was truly Jim’s biggest cheerleader and it was such a blessing to get to see such a pure example of true love. Sending all our love to the family during this time.
My husband, William “Bill” Wolff had worked with Jim for many years. Bill greatly respected Jim’s work ethics and his concern for social justice. Both Jim and Bill contributed so much to our community.
Bill passed away December 17, 2023, at the age of 77.
I never knew Jim before he became ill, however both he and my wife were residents at the same memory care facility. During conversations with Jim’s wife, Geri, I learned that he had been a hard working and respected legal professional in the Family Court. After retiring, he continued to provide assistance as a volunteer. Jim must have been a tireless person intent on helping others. Geri was there for him most of every day. She was his rock and I am sure he knew and appreciated her devotion. Godspeed.
Though I left St L County Court System (Clerk’s Office) in 1998, I remember Jim well. What a worker!! And dedicated public servant.
I offer my condolence to Geri and prayers for Jim.
Jim has had a significant presence for over 50 years with the Montgomery family. Initially, he worked with my husband, Mike in the Juvenile Detention Center and as fellow DJOs. He was the best man in our wedding. We shared many social activities with Jim and Geri, not the least being years of softball games. Our first son is named Ryan. Jim was his godfather and his Confirmation sponsor. He was “Uncle Jim” to our children. We had several family vacations together. Geri and he gamely attended many chaotic birthday and holiday parties at our home for many years. Mike and Jim shared many hours golfing together. During Mike’s 6 years in the Memory Care Unit at the Veterans Home, Jim was a faithful visitor throughout the duration, despite how difficult visits became over time. While his presence will so be missed, Jim’s love and loyalty will continue to be felt by my sons and me.
Jim was a true Vincentian – passionate for justice, able to find humor in the midst of suffering, and a person of deep faith. He did all he could to effect the transformation of our society. Keep working at it from the other side Jim!