Photo courtesy of Swartz Funeral Home - Flint
Flint, Michigan
Jan 18, 1943 – Jun 1, 2024
RYAN, JAMES E., MA LPC LMSW NCACII
Of Flint, age 81 died on Saturday, June 1, 2024 at Brookdale Assisted Living.
Visitation 5 p.m. – 8 p.m. Friday and 11 a.m. Saturday until the time of the service at the funeral home at the Swartz Funeral Home, 1225 West Hill Road.
Funeral service will be held at 12 p.m. Saturday, June 8, 2024 Father Phil Schmitter officiating.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Carriage Town Ministries.
James was born in Lapeer, Michigan on January 18, 1943, the son of the late Ernest P. and Neva M. (Stroh) Ryan.
On May 28, 1966 he married Judith E. Brooks at Holy Rosary.
He was an undergraduate of Western Michigan University; did graduate work at WMU, CMU and U of M. He interned under retired FBI agent Dr. John E. Douglas—one of the first criminal profilers and who’s insights and methods were crucial in understanding the behavior of Richard Ramirez, the Night Stalker. James went on to lead an extensive and diversified career that spanned the fields of mental health, corrections, substance abuse counseling, motivation, and human resources. His professional career has crossed the boundaries of both the public and private sectors allowing him the opportunity to develop numerous employee assistance programs, counseling services, and education programs. James also taught at many Michigan universities and colleges.
James was proud to hold numerous certifications in: EMDR, Anger Management, Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counseling, Gambling, Clinical Supervision, Counseling Criminal Justice Offenders, Clinical Hypnosis, Imago Relationship Therapy. In addition he was a member of the International Academy of Behavioral Medicine, Counseling and Psychotherapy, and held Diplomate Status in Professional Psychotherapy and also Chemical Dependency Counseling.
He was a strong believer in the importance of lifelong learning and was a voracious reader. Over the past three years, he developed a passion for painting. He enjoyed trips to Traverse City, where his wife's family spent time during her childhood, and loved the beaches there. Most of all, he loved his family, especially his children and grandchildren.
Surviving are children, Michael Ryan, Steven (Michael Allen) Ryan and Kathleen Ryan; grandchildren, Zoë and Mya Ryan-Riley.
He was preceded in death by the love of his life, Judith as well as his sister, Janice Crim.
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Jim was our friend in high school in Lapeer, MI. We have vacationed together in South Haven, MI. He and my husband were friends for many, many years. He was a real sweetie. Lots of good memories.
Sharon Perkins
July 18, 2024 | Nashville, TN | Friend
Kat, Steve, Michael, Mike, Zoe, and Mya my love to all of you. Your Dad/Grandad meant the world to me growing up and I am so thankful for him and for all of you. Thanks for sharing your home and your mom and dad with all of your friends. We are so lucky to have you all in our lives. ❤
Dianne Mishra
June 06, 2024 | Clarkston, MI
Uncle Jim was alway good to me and later my family. I have lots of good memories as does my wife and kids. Jeff Crim
Jeff Crim
June 06, 2024 | Family
Dear Jim, one of my first Friends, trainer of local clergy and sisters in ways to help overcome addictions and assist families where drugs were a destructive presence. Always hungry for meditation, encourager of local artists and musicians. May the kindness you showered on others be the hallmark of your life well lived. My love to you Kat and Mike and Steve and Mike and All Those who called Jim friend.
Fr Phil Schmitter
June 04, 2024
Ive known Jim most of my life his mother and father were friends of my parents he was a good friend and will be sorely missed RIP my friend
Michael Howard
June 04, 2024 | Friend
Jim touched my life as a therapist and a friend. I am sorry to read of his passing, as he was recently on my mind. My condolences to his family and his friends.
Rest in peace, Jim. Thank you for being an influencer and a healer.
Victoria Bowman
June 03, 2024 | Grand Rapids, MI | Friend
Steve, my sincerest condolences. Your dad sounds like he lived the kind of life that would take most people 3 to 4 times over to accomplish. My heart goes out you and yours. ❤ — Joe Baran
Joe Baran
June 03, 2024 | Chicago | Friend
I met Jim Ryan through the Hurley/Insight Addictions Studies Program in 1981. It was a year that changed the course of my life. Jim was the instructor of a small group of interns that were dedicated to learning the skills to help people suffering with addiction. He taught a core series of lectures that I still have to this day. The one that stood out to me most was "The History of Alcoholics Anonymous." You might say it grabbed me and inspired me in a way nothing ever had before. I sought...
Pam Heany
June 03, 2024
You are dearly missed my friend. Jim your first gift to me were the words “be kind to yourself” You knew I didn’t have time to listen. You were patient and gentle with your reminders. Thank You. Eventually I listened. I have and will continue to offer your words to others who need your words
Robert Arnold
June 02, 2024 | Mount Morris, MI | Friend
