Jimmy Ryan

McFarland-James "Jimmy" Ryan, age 73 passed away peacefully with his family by his side on Monday, September 21, 2015. He was born in Richland Center on December 9, 1941, the son of Edward and Irene Ryan. Jimmy graduated from Edgewood high school in 1960. He enlisted in the U.S. Army and proudly served his country from 1963 to 1965. Following his honorable discharge he returned to Madison where Jimmy enjoyed fastpitch softball for many years. He met the love of his life Shirley Henthorne while she was sitting in the stands at many of his games. They were married on October 14, 1972. Jimmy worked for the Air Force at Truax field. He was a well-known bartender in Madison for many years which led him to opening his own tavern called Jimmy Ryan's on the corner of King and Main on the Capitol Square until his health declined. Jimmy then became a Brownberry bread salesman with his own route for several years. He was diagnosed with cardiomyopathy in 1982 which led to his heart transplant in 1983. Following his transplant Jimmy enjoyed his life, watching his sons grow up and spending time with his wife, golfing, softball, Schlitz beer, the Packers, Badgers, and Cubs, and Friday night fish fry. He is survived by his wife of 43 years, Shirley; two sons, Matthew and Patrick; brother, John (Yvonne) Ryan; sister, Mary (Chuck) Busch; many sisters and brothers in law; multiple nieces and nephews; and numerous friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; infant brother, Tommy Ryan; and nephew, Michael Busch. Funeral services will be held at 12 noon on Thursday, September 24, 2015 at Cress Funeral Home in McFarland. Burial, with Full military honors, will follow in the Town of Dunn Burying Grounds. Friends and relatives are invited to a luncheon reception immediately following the burial at the McFarland American Legion. Visitation will be held from 9:30 AM until the time of service Thursday at the funeral home. The family wishes to thank the friends of Jimmy Ryan Heart Fund for their fundraising efforts in 1983, the entire UW Hospital system especially transplant Coordinator Heather Jaeger, and most of all to the Sara Lee Kemp family for the gift of life for the last 32 years. Please share your memories.
Cress Funeral Service
5801 Highway 51
McFarland Wisconsin, 53558
608-838-0655