In Memoriam: Longtime Rumsonite, RFH Grad, J.J. Ryan III

John Joseph “J.J.” Ryan III passed away peacefully in Circle of Life Bentonville, after a long battle with Alzheimer’s.

The son of John J. Ryan and Dolores Moynahan Ryan, John grew up in Rumson, where he attended Holy Cross School, Forrestdale Elementary and Rumson Fair-Haven Regional High School (RFH). He graduated from Franklin Pierce University and attended Bryant University.

“Growing up on the ocean, John loved surfing the endless summers. John played football from the time he was 9 years old, throughout high school. Tennis was a great passion of John’s and he played on his high school tennis team, and continued playing his whole life. Another great passion was skiing. He loved skiing in the East, West, & Europe — wherever there was snow he would be happy to go skiing. He ran many marathons, New York & Boston, to name a few, and remained a long distance runner. His friends and family meant the world to him. And wherever he was he was surrounded by good friends and much fun was had by all. His friends were really the expansion of his family and he loved them each dearly and would do anything for each and everyone of them. As his nephew mentioned recently, when Uncle Johnny arrived back in town on any occasion it was a cause of big excitement. Everyone gathered and we all participated in many fun times. Never a dull moment with Johnny Ryan.”
Loved ones of J.J. Ryan III in his obituary

John made his reputation at the Mercantile Stores Company, Inc., specifically JB White Stores, where during the course of a 20-year career there, reached the position of executive vice president for worldwide merchandising and marketing.

He joined Walmart in 1995 as an executive vice president with responsibility for global sourcing and supplier development where he procured everything from caviar to diamonds. He then took on a position to bring Walmart stores to other countries through Walmart International. He traveled extensively throughout many continents.

After leaving Walmart, he affiliated with a variety of companies including Brand Neue Corp., Spice Depot, Nature’s Wonder-Canada, Elite Cosmetics-Canada, and Luma Vue.

“He had a long amazing successful career, he loved his work and all the people he worked with throughout the world. Always impeccably dressed at all times, his work ethic and dedication to whatever project he was working on was unparalleled.”

John is predeceased by: his brother, Bernard Francis Ryan; and sister, Kathlee Ryan Gehweiler Buonocore.

John is survived by: his sister, Dolores (Dee Dee) Ryan Kerner and husband, Daniel, of Southborough MA., his wife Victoria, of Rogers, AK, and his children, Imogen Ryan Stegall and husband Brennan, Xavier Ryan, John J. Ryan IV, Morgan Ryan Gaddy and husband Daniel Gaddy, grandchildren William Daniel Gaddy V, Eli-Copeland and Leighton Mayer, and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Alzheimer’s Association.