James T. Cryan (Jimmy) was born in Newark N.J. and raised in the Vailsburg section before moving to South Orange, Union and eventually Little River, South Carolina. He attended Sacred Heart School in Newark and graduated from Columbia High School in 1983.
Upon graduation Jimmy entered the family business working and then owning Cryan's Beef and Ale in South Orange. A master storyteller, Jimmy always had a smile, quick joke, the latest "news" or just a hello to everyone who came into the Beef and Ale. His gregarious personality was a great fit for the business and he enjoyed many years of success in South Orange. After relocating to Little River he remained active in the restaurant business, fished and spent more time with his cherished wife Noreen.
Jimmy just loved his many summers spent in Ireland with the Cryan family. He would visit cousins, aunts, uncles and his annual trips to Castlerea were the stuff of legend. Jimmy's big heart and caring personality made him beloved by all on both sides of the Atlantic. Cancer has taken Jimmy from us too soon, but we will remember how he loved his family, his friends, the bar business and gave us all many a good laugh or story along the way.
Jimmy was a member of the Cryan Association, Giblin Association, County Roscommon Society, South Orange Lions Club and the NJ Association of Bar Owners. He was honored by the Essex County Police and Fire Emerald Society, EIES of New Jersey, Project Children, South Orange Rescue Squad and numerous law enforcement organizations for all his charitable contributions.
Jimmy was predeceased by his parents, John and Mary Cryan, brothers Michael, John and Edward, nephew John III and brother in law Richard Birch. He is survived by his loving wife of 26 years Noreen (McCarthy) Cryan, siblings Mary (Cissy) Donohue (Joseph), Joseph (Kathy) and Eileen Birch, sisters in law Lisa Cryan and Christine Cryan, brother in law Brian McCarthy and many nieces and nephews.
In lieu of flowers please make a donation to the Zoe Cryan Trust, Castlepunkett, County Roscommon, Ireland F45A096 or the American Cancer Society.
The family will be receiving friends at The Jacob A. Holle Funeral Home 2122 Millburn Ave, Maplewood on Friday, Oct 18th from 4:00-7:00 PM. A Funeral Mass will be held at. St. Joseph's Church 767 Prospect St., Maplewood on Saturday, Oct 19th at 1:30 PM.

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Published by The Star-Ledger from Oct. 10 to Oct. 11, 2024.

Memories and Condolences
for James Cryan

Sponsored by The Family.

6 Entries

Michael P. Geary

October 19, 2024

My condolences to the Cryan Family. May James rest in peace!

Olga Rainey

October 18, 2024

Jimmy Cryans loved traditions and was always ready for the holidays. His was the first bar that I went to every year to light the shamrock. He always had a good crowd,good bands, very friendly no matter where you were and very charitable. I will always remember him showing up for July 4' to give the prize for the best patriotic and decorated bikes. He really liked for people to have a good time and he will be missed. I am sorry for your loss and it's definitely too soon. You have my deepest condolences.

John Moravek

October 15, 2024

I remember the good Old days at cryans rest in peace my friend

Agnes Keogh Clarke

October 13, 2024

So very sorry to hear of the passing of Jimmy. He was always such had a friendly welcome to Cryans in So. Orange. He was so well known for his support in the Irish community. He'll be missed. With deepest sympathy.

Andy Connolly

October 11, 2024

I am saddened to learn of Jimmy's passing.
Jimmy was quite a guy. He was funny, smart, and he possessed a magnetic personality. He was kind hearted and always willing to lend a hand to those who were in need of assistance.
We will miss him.

Mary Dee (Cahill)

October 10, 2024

My very sincere condolences to Jimmys wife and all the Cryan Family on his untimely passing May he rest in Peace.
We. Knew his dad the late Johnny Cryan. He was a family friend of very many years standing. He was my late sister Martha's godfather in 1947. He emigrated to America shortly afterwards.

We have very happy memories
Mary Dee

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