James William Tryan, age 85, of Escanaba passed away on Monday, December 6, 2021 at the St. Francis Hospital in Escanaba.
James was born April 15, 1936 in Escanaba, the son of Fred and Clara (St. Antoine) Tryan. He was united in marriage to Bonnie Lou Tschabold. James was very kind and had an infectious laugh. He loved spending time with his children and grandchildren. Fourth of July was a special time. His parents, brothers and sisters and all their children would have a large picnic and camp on the family property.
He loved woodworking in his wood shop, making beer can flowers and whirly jigs, cutting firewood and was an avid hunter.
James is survived by his wife, Bonnie of Escanaba, children, David (Jeanie) Tryan, Debbie Girke, Deanna (fiance Mark Hamp) Griffin and Darla (Matt) Chapman, 15 grandchildren, 14 great grandchildren, sisters, Eileen Berglund, Betty Williams and Gladys Truman, sister-in-law, Jennie Schmitz, brother-in-law, Stanley Schmitz and many nieces and nephews.
He is preceded in death by his parents , brothers, Earl, Robert, Kenneth, Fred and Louis Tryan and sisters, Clara Ann Johnson and Marge King.
Private services will be held at the convenience of the family.
The Tryan family is being assisted by the Skradski Family Funeral Home in Escanaba.
Jackie Tryan - Escanaba , Mi
Jim will be truly missed. He had a kind heart quiet soul. I’m going to miss seeing him in his yard. Always doing projects. I’m very blessed to have had Jim & Bonnie as neighbors for many years and to sit and on their front porch on a hot summer afternoon and not a care in the world. RIP Uncle Jim ❤️
Fred Tryan - Winona, MN
Uncle Jim was a very special uncle. He always had a smile on his face, loved a beer or two, loved to hunt and fish, made many different things out of beer cans ( my 2 brothers kept him in a good supply of empty cans), made great windmills, and other lawn ornaments. I am happy to say I have a deer rifle he sold my dad about 60 years. It always reminds me of uncle Jim.
And now a short story. One late night uncle Jim was out drinking with friends and they decided to steal a few rutabaga’s. I am guessing he was in his early 20’s and living at home yet. You had to be drunk to want to steal rutabagas and what would he have done with them?????? Anyways the farmer caught them. They were thrown in jail. Grandma and Grandpa were notified. Grandma woke my dad up and he drove her into Escanaba to bail uncle Jim out. Grandma was not impressed and she made it very clear to uncle Jim. I believe this was the last time uncle Jim stole rutabagas.
We will miss him dearly. He touched all of our lives in many ways. Every time I look at the ornaments, windmills, flowers, etc. it gives me a warm feeling that we have many wonderful memories of him.