Chaplain (Colonel) JAMES “JACK” RYAN, JR.,
US Army (Retired), 69, of Mabelvale, Ark., passed away on January 6, 2021. He is preceded in death by his mother and stepfather, Betty and B.C. Wells, Jr. and his stepmother, Alice Ryan. He is survived by his father, Major General James A. Ryan (Retired); wife of 47 years, Barbara Kay; daughter, Jenny Ryan Evans of Mabelvale; sons, James A. Ryan, III (Trey) of Benton, Benjamin (Linsey) of Alexander; Grandchildren, Olivia Evans, Whitley and Beau Ryan, and Lincoln Ryan; Brother, John Patrick Ryan (Lindsey) of Little Rock; sisters Barbara Hesse of Arkadelphia, Patti Wingfield (Greg) of Camden, and Mary Krikorian (Serge) of Benton; Brother-in-law, Johnny Toombs (Lois) of Texarkana. As well as, many nieces, nephews, family and friends.
Jack was a 1969 graduate of Gurdon High School. In 1973, he married his high school sweetheart, Barbara Kay. Their relationship started when she was a freshman in high school, and he was a senior. Together for over 50 years, Barbara was his biggest protector and number one supporter.
Jack received his B.A. degree in History from Ouachita Baptist University in Arkadelphia, Ark. He went on to receive a Master of Divinity in Theology from Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary in Austin, Texas. After seminary, he pastored Belcher Presbyterian Church and Dixie Presbyterian Church (1976-1978), First Presbyterian Church of Mount Pleasant, Texas, (1978-1989), and Westminster Presbyterian Church in Gulfport, MS (1989-1991). He was an Ordained Minister with the Cumberland Presbyterian Church and endorsed for Chaplaincy by the Presbyterian Council for Chaplains and Military Personnel.
Jack enlisted in the Army National Guard in 1980 as Chaplain (1st Lieutenant) and served 23 years. Following his retirement from the Army National Guard, he served in the United States Army Reserve for seven years. In 2004, he served in Operation Iraqi Freedom at Camp Victory, Baghdad, Iraq. Jack served as Chaplain in the 49th Armored Division and 112th Armor Regiment in Texas; State Area Command (STARC) in Mississippi; 455th Transportation Battalion, 153rd Infantry Regiment, 39th Infantry Brigade, State Area Command (STARC), 460th Chemical Brigade, 420th Engineer Brigade, and the 90th Regional Readiness Command in Arkansas. He was awarded three Army Commendation Medals, eight Army Reserve Components Achievement Medals, three Meritorious Service Medals, the Iraq Campaign Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Medal, Armed Forces Reserve Medal, Arkansas Distinguished Service Medal, Legion of Merit, two National Defense Service Medals, Army Achievement Service Medal, Arkansas Commendation Medal, 2 Texas Medal of Merit, Texas Faithful Service Medal, and many ribbons. He retired in 2011 as Chaplain (Colonel), after a career total of 30 years and two months.
In 1991, after being in the pastorate for 15 years, Jack moved his family back to Arkansas and began his career at the Central Arkansas Veteran’s Healthcare System. He served as Staff Chaplain for 8 years and Chief of Chaplain Service for 22 years. He retired in May of 2020 after 30 years. At the time of his death, Jack was serving as Pastor of Crossroads Cumberland Presbyterian Church in Bryant, Ark. A congregation he dearly loved. Known by Jackie, Jack, Dad, Reverend, Pastor, Chaplain, Colonel; His favorite name to be called was Pop. He loved his grandkids and was always willing to tell you all about each one. He was so proud of them.
Memorial service with military honors will be held on January 14, 2021, at 10 a.m., at Arkansas State Veterans Cemetery, 1501 West Maryland Avenue, North Little Rock, Ark., officiated by Chaplain (Colonel) Leonard Higgins US Army (Retired). A celebration of Jack’s life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to Crossroads Cumberland Presbyterian Church, 2754 Mountain View Road, Benton, Ark., 72019. Please visit www.pincrestfh.com for the online tribute.