James B. Ryan D.O., 76, of Madison died peacefully at home with his loving family by his side on Nov. 28, 2021. He was the cherished husband of Barbara Bojko Ryan for 45 years and the son of the late Joseph F. Ryan and Catherine Travers Ryan.

He was born Sept. 4, 1945, and raised on The Hill in New Haven. He lived for many years in Wethersfield before retiring in Madison.

He is survived by his sister-in-law Janet (Mumaw) Ryan of Matteson, Illinois, his sister-in-law Margo Bojko of East Hartford, and his sister-in-law Maureen Bojko of Glastonbury. He was the beloved uncle of 11 nieces and nephews, 16 grandnieces and nephews, 3 great-grandnephews, and 1 great-grandniece.

He was predeceased by his siblings, Kathlyn Ryan Kraffmiller, Joseph F. Ryan Jr., Patricia Ryan Gerace, and Raymond J. Ryan; his brothers-in-law, Stephen Kraffmiller, Robert Gerace, and Thomas Bojko; and his sister-in-law C. Suzanne Commerford Ryan. He was also predeceased by his niece Mary Lyn Kraffmiller Flyte and his nephews Robert Flyte and Thomas Ryan.

Jim graduated from Notre Dame High School in West Haven in 1963 and graduated from Fairfield University in 1967 with a major in English. From 1970 to 1972, he volunteered with VISTA (Volunteer in Service to America) in Pahokee, Florida, where he successfully organized a community group of migrant and seasonal farm workers. He guided the development, writing, and submission of federal grants that were fully funded and resulted in the establishment of a Comprehensive Health Care Center and network of infant and children day care centers for migrant and seasonal farm workers.

Jim’s work in VISTA inspired him to pursue a career in medicine. He graduated from the University of New England College of Osteopathic Medicine in 1982 and received an award for outstanding achievement in community health and preventative medicine. He completed an internship and residency at Doctor’s Hospital in Columbus, Ohio.

After his internship and residency, he returned to Connecticut, and worked as an ambulatory care physician for Newington Walk-in Medical Center and Rocky Hill Medical Center. In 1987 he established Newington Medical Associates Primary Care with Dr. Albert DeNuzzio and Dr. Tatong Hemmaplardh. From 1990 to 1994, he was the associate medical director of Katahdin Valley Health Center Public Health Clinic in Patten, Maine, part of the National Health Service Corps.

When he returned from Maine, he was the medical director for Grove Hill Medical Center Walk-in Clinic for four years. He then joined United Technologies, Pratt & Whitney in East Hartford as the senior occupational physician. He also became medical director for Connecticut Yankee Atomic Power Company in Haddam Neck Connecticut.

In his leisure time, Jim enjoyed walking along the beaches of Madison and watching football and baseball. He was a fan of Sherlock Holmes and other classic movies. His greatest joy in life was organizing family gatherings, especially St. Patrick’s Day parties and numerous other holidays. He was interested in history, especially Civil War history, and participated in lectures at the Acton Library in Old Saybrook. He loved to travel the world, especially to Ireland to visit his cousins and his ancestral home.

He was treasurer of the Connecticut Osteopathic Medical Society, volunteer driver and friendly visitor for the Shoreline Village, a member of the Madison Senior Center Commission, a member of the Board of Governors for Madison Winter Club, and a member of the Madison Senior Center Newcomers Club.

Jim was kind, considerate and the best friend anyone could ever have. A true Irishman, he had the gift of gab, a twinkle in his eye, and was an amazing storyteller. His quick witted sense of humor and infectious laugh will be missed by all who knew and loved him.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Raise the Roof, P.O. Box 916, Madison, CT 06443, the Multiple Sclerosis Society, 659 Tower Ave., 1st Floor, Hartford, CT 06112 or Celebration of the Eucharist, Office of Radio and Television in Support of the Daily Catholic Television Mass, O.R. TV, 15 Peach Orchard Road, Prospect CT, 06712-1052. To sign his online guest book, visit www.swanfuneralhomemadison.com.

A celebration of Jim’s life will be held at a later date.