James Stuart "Jim" Ryan, age 81, of Wytheville, VA went to his Heavenly Home to be with Jesus his Lord and Savior, on Saturday, April 15, 2023 at Bristol Regional Medical Center. He was born in Wytheville April 16, 1942, the son of the late Stanton E. And Bessie Mae Kitts Ryan. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a sister, Phoebe Seagle; mother-in-law and father-in-law, Maggie and Robert Dillow; sister-in-law, Doris Dillow; brothers-in-law, Bobby Dillow, Bill Spencer and Jerry Seagle; nieces, Dreama Seagle and Angie Keesling.

Jim was a veteran of the United States Army. He was employed at AMSCO products for 44 years where he retired. He attended Bland United Methodist Church where he held multiple offices. Jim and his wife Joyce sang at many churches, met a lot of good people and ate a lot of fried chicken, which he loved, at church homecomings. He liked all kinds of sports and was an encyclopedia on sports. NASCAR Charlotte was a favorite where twice a year he attended with his nephews, Steve and Richie. He liked to visit weekends in Bland and sit on the patio to watch deer and listen to the sounds of the country. He liked to sit in his favorite chair by the fireplace, camping and going to the beach. These were his Happy Places. Jim loved spending holidays with his family around him. He was a simple man but a loving man. Jim loved his country. One of his most requested songs was "God Bless the USA". Jim read the Bible 6 ½ times; every time he would find something new and be amazed. Jim attended George Wythe High School and Wytheville Community College.

He is survived by his wife, Joyce Dillow Ryan; daughter, Sherry Williams (Eddie); son, Tom Ryan (Crystal); grandchildren, David Williams (Christina), Danielle Gamble (Hunter), Leah Ryan, Seth Ryan and Emma Ryan; great-grandchildren, Jaxson Williams, Leah Taylor, Cutchen Gamble, Crewe Gamble and Kendell Mae Ryan; sister, Betsy Keesling (Jack) of Kingsport, TN; sister-in-law, Lois Spencer of Petersburg, VA; many nieces and nephews; a special nephew, Scott Spencer (who watched over us).

Funeral services will be held at 3:00 p.m. Thursday, April 20, 2023 at the Barnett Funeral Chapel with the Reverend Darlene Marshall, Reverend Barry Dillow and Reverend Josephine Phillips officiating.

Burial will follow in St. John's Cemetery.

The family will receive friends Thursday beginning at 1:00 p.m. until service time.

Barnett Funeral Home, Wytheville, VA is serving the Ryan family.