John ìJackî Ryan, 70, of Lake Lure, passed away early Saturday morning, October 2, 2010 en route to Mission Hospital in the MAMA helicopter, flying over the mountains.
Born in Ireland, he was a son of the late John and Catherine Walsh Ryan. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, Michael Ryan and a sister, Josie Ryan.
Jack, as he was known to his friends and family, immigrated to the U.S. from Ireland in 1966 to serve as a Catholic priest in Mississippi. He served in the priesthood for 7 years, first, as Assistant Pastor of St. Alphonsus Catholic Church in Ocean Springs, Miss., then as Assistant Pastor of St. Peterís Co-Cathedral in Jackson, Miss., and then appointed Pastor of St. Michaelís Church in Vicksburg, Miss. Jack left the priesthood in 1973 to marry and have a family but remained a good and faithful servant of God throughout his life.
Jack was an avid golfer and especially enjoyed playing with his nephew, Andrew Whitty, when he and Sharon would go home to Ireland. He was an accomplished cook and enjoyed preparing meals for his family and friends. Jack was blessed with a quick Irish wit and was a great story teller. Jack had a strong faith in God and prayed daily even though he was unable to attend Mass during the last year of his life. He and Sharon shared a last communion together and Jack made his last confession shortly before he died.
He is survived by his loving wife, Sharon Z. Ryan; a daughter, Heather Ryan Curtis of Lake Lure; grandchildren, Corey Michael Curtis and Emily Ryan Curtis; brothers, Pat and Tom Ryan of Ireland; sisters, Mary McGree, Brigid Whitty, and Peggy Coffey of Ireland; and numerous nephews, nieces, and cousins, all of Ireland.
He was the love of his wifeís life and her best friend. Jack cherished Sharon and their daughter, Heather, and they will miss him immensely but will take comfort in knowing that he is no longer suffering and is with his Savior.
Service
12:00 AM
Episcopal Church of the Transfiguration in Saluda, North Carolina - Directions
72 Charles Street
Saluda, NC 28773
Visitation
12:00 AM - 12:00 AM
Episcopal Church of the Transfiguration in Saluda, North Carolina - Directions
72 Charles Street
Saluda, NC 28773
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