Obituary of James John Bryan

Jim Bryan 

James “Jim” John Bryan, 64, of Ladson, passed away peacefully Thursday, Aug. 9, 2018, at MUSC Ashley River Tower. He spent his final days on Earth with his two children by his side.

Jim was born Oct. 13, 1953, in Omaha, Neb., the first of two sons of John and Verna Mae Bryan. The family moved to Cortland, N.Y., where his father worked as a college professor. Jim attended Cortland public schools on the campus of Cortland State College. Jim said he walked several miles – up hill, both ways – to school in the snow; his father disputed this claim. The debate continues in Heaven. Jim attended Dryden High School in New York before the family moved to Pennsylvania. While at Dryden, Jim saw rock band Three Dog Night perform.

The family moved to Exton, Pa., in 1970, and Jim graduated from Downingtown Senior High School in 1971. He was active in concert choir, participated in the school musical, “The Music Man,” and was a member of the National Honor Society.

After graduation, Jim attended Villanova University and joined the Navy ROTC. He graduated with a bachelor’s degree and was commissioned in the U.S. Navy in July 1975. He rose to the rank of lieutenant during his 10-plus years in the service.

While in the Navy, Jim was responsible for monitoring all naval vessels visiting New York, New Jersey, Connecticut and the Great Lakes. He was then assigned a leadership role as head of security for Naval Station New York. There, he supervised security guards and enlisted staff. In 1982, Jim was transferred to the Naval Weapons Station in Goose Creek, S.C. He oversaw a minimum security detention center and the correctional custody unit, and was the command’s administrative discharge officer. He was honorably discharged in November 1985.

After a short stint as a security guard on Kiawah Island – where he proudly boasted of meeting former U.S. Sen. Fritz Hollings – Jim began a career with South Carolina’s Department of Probation, Parole and Pardon Services. He began as an agent in Dorchester County in May 1986 and was named state agent of the year in 1989. He was promoted to a supervisor position in March 1996 and reached his ultimate career goal of serving as an agent-in-charge in January 2005. He led the Dorchester County office for five years as its top agent. He retired in May 2010.

While working as an agent, Jim earned a master’s degree in computer information and resource management from Webster University’s Charleston, S.C., branch. He’d want us to note his 3.91 GPA.

When he wasn’t working, he enjoyed spending time with his family. His hobbies included vegetable gardening, history, science fiction books and television shows, model trains, rooting for Villanova’s basketball team, playing with his fur babies and bragging about his children and grandchildren. He was a second-degree brown belt from the U.S. Judo Association, a former member and vice president of the Charleston Model Railway Association and former member, vice president of administration, assistant newsletter editor, president and tri-state regional president of Parents Without Partners.

He was predeceased by his parents.

Jim loved his family. He is survived by his two children, Scott Bryan, and his longtime girlfriend, Felicia Kitzmiller, and Jackie Bryan, and her fiancé, Jonathan Riccardo; brother, Chris Bryan, and his wife, Gwen; three beautiful granddaughters, Cailyn, Madison and Elliana; stepmother, Mary Christophersen, and her husband, Chris; loyal and protective dog, Cody; and other family and friends.

Visitation is 10 a.m. Friday, Aug. 17, 2018, at Simplicity Lowcountry Cremation and Burial Services, 7475 Peppermill Pkwy. in North Charleston. Funeral service will follow at 11 a.m. at the funeral home with Richard Clapp, pastor of Givhans Baptist Church, presiding. A burial with military honors will be 2 p.m. Friday at Beaufort National Cemetery, 1601 Boundary St. in Beaufort.

In lieu of flowers, Jim wanted donations sent to the Hollings Cancer Center, 86 Jonathan Lucas St., Charleston, SC 29425. Donations can also be made through https://connect2.musc.edu/cancer. Please specify “hematology (leukemia, lymphoma, blood cancers)” through the online portal.

Condolences and memories may be shared at lowcountryfuneral.com.

Arrangements are being handled by Simplicity Lowcountry Cremation and Burial Services of North Charleston.

 

 

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