James Odell Ryan

James Odell Ryan peacefully transitioned to his eternal reward on Sunday, October 19th at 11:15 a.m. at Alamance Regional Medical Center, after a brief illness. James was holding hands with two of his friends whom he met while attending First United Methodist Church in Graham, when he breathed his last breath.

James' favorite Bible verse was 2 Timothy 1:7 "For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline." James demonstrated God's power and love by caring for everyone he met, giving of himself through acts of service by making bracelets for children and helping out whenever he could. Accompanying him along the way was his unique sense of humor along with his joyful chuckle.

He especially loved his church family, who continued to support him during the past few years he lived in Durham. He was very thankful to have just recently returned to live in Graham at Peak Resources where he received excellent care until his final day.

Born in Washington, DC on 1/31/1960 to Margaret Ryan Kirchner and Dan Ryan, Sr., James lived in the Methodist Home for Children in Raleigh from age seven until he graduated in 1979 from Broughton High School in Raleigh.

He was preceded in death by his parents, and two brothers: Chris and Dan, Jr. He is survived by two brothers: Charles Odell Lambert and Phillip Ryan.

James and his older brother Dan began attending FUMC-Graham in 2013, and James was a faithful member of the church until he moved to Durham in 2017 to be closer to VA services. He continued to attend the monthly men's breakfast and loved helping cook, set the tables and wash dishes.

James enjoyed playing board games, including cribbage, dominoes and Rummikub, shooting pool, playing ping pong and air hockey and especially bowling. His bowling highlight was scoring a 270 after opening with 8 straight strikes, before settling for a spare in the 9th frame. In addition, he was a huge UNC fan, but his main team was the San Francisco 49ers.

A U.S. Army veteran, James was a member of the 25th Infantry Division and served in Hawaii in different capacities, one of which was a cook. His love for food services carried over into his civilian life, as he usually worked for restaurants in some capacity and was especially at home working in their dining rooms, making new friends.

There will be a service honoring James' well-lived life in the chapel of the First United Methodist Church in Graham, on Wednesday, 10/29 at 2:00 p.m. Memorials can be made to the church in his name.