Photo courtesy of Ritchie & Peach Funeral Home
LAWRENCEBURG, Kentucky
Feb 17, 1931 – Jun 28, 2016 (Age 85)
James David "Buddy" Ryan, 85, of Shelbyville formerly of Lawrenceburg, predeceased by his wife Joanie, passed away Tuesday, June 28, 2016 in Louisville, KY.
Buddy, who served in the U.S. Army during Korean War, coached with NFL teams including the Philadelphia Eagles, the Chicago Bears during the 1985 Super Bowl winning season, the New York Jets during Super Bowl III winning season, Minnesota Vikings, Houston Oilers, and retired after two seasons as head coach of the Arizona Cardinals.
Survivors include his sons, Jim Ryan of Illinois, Rex Ryan and his wife Michelle and Rob Ryan and his wife Kristen, all of Buffalo, New York, and six grandchildren.
Funeral Mass will be 2:00 PM, Friday, July 1, 2016 at St. Lawrence Catholic Church, 120 Gatewood Ave., Lawrenceburg, KY 40342.
The family will receive visitors from 10 AM – 1 PM Friday, July 1st at the Ritchie & Peach Funeral Home, 701 North Main St., Lawrenceburg, KY 40342.
Condolences to the family may be expressed at www.ritchieandpeach.com.
Condolences to his family
Carson Loveless
December 28, 2024 | Bay De Verde, NL | Significant_other
My thoughts and prayers to the Ryan family and friends as another year has passed...but sadly, Jimmy has now joined his Dad. -LT
Lisa Trozzolo
June 25, 2020 | Evanston, IL | Friend
My thoughts and prayers continue for the Ryan family as another sad anniversary nears. God Bless! -LT
Lisa Trozzolo
June 24, 2019 | Evanston, IL
Jimmy and the Ryan family, my deepest sympathies on the loss of your Beloved Dad. Having lost my Mom, I know how difficult & sad this time is for you you can always lean on me. I only got to meet your Dad once at the wedding on Long Island many moons ago. He treated me as if we had been friends for many years engaging in great conversation and making me feel as if I was part of the family. I feel very blessed for that experience and will treasure that wonderful memory forever, just as you...
Lisa Trozzolo
July 15, 2016 | Evanston, IL
The loss of someone so close is difficult to bear. We share your grief. John 6:44
FC
July 09, 2016 | Phoenix
I had the privilege and honor of getting to know Buddy when I worked for Debbie a few years back. We went to Keeneland and watched one of his horses run! And I took pictures at his 80th birthday party at Old Stone Inn. My thoughts and prayers are with his family, and everyone who knew and loved him.
Toni Wilkinson
July 08, 2016 | Gulf Shores, AL
God is welcoming you into eternal life with His arms open wide. Thank you for being such a positive influence in a young man's life while you were in Gainesville. You will be greatly missed but your influence will be with us forever.
Glenn Moore
June 30, 2016 | Gainesville
Praying for each of you, and so very thankful to have been honored with one of the greatest men the world has ever known for an Uncle.
Godspeed, Uncle Buddy, and will see you later! Love you forever!! xo
Beth Ann Crabtree-McCune
June 30, 2016 | Dalton, GA
I had the privilege of having coach Buddy As a coach, teacher, and mentor. It was his first coaching/teaching job at Gainesville high school in Texas. As a neighbor I was able to give a lot of rides home during which time he tried to give me guidance. He was truly a giant among men and will be missed. May God be with his family.
Patrick Noon.
Class of 1960 GHS
June 30, 2016