James Robert Ryans Sr

Mr. James "Jim" Ryans Sr, age 82 of Kingston, went home to be with the Lord on Monday, July 13th, 2026. He was born on July 3rd, 1944, in Oneida. Jim was a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, and a true community leader. He was a U.S. Army veteran, who served 3 foreign tours. (2 in Germany, 1 in Vietnam). He spent over 20 years with the US Army Special Forces where he held numerous roles, and attained the rank of Master Sargent. He also served as an ROTC instructor for the University of Tennessee. Jim also served as Commander of the Roane County Military Memorial Honor Guard for approximately the last 15 years. He helped honor the lives of veterans from around Roane County and the surrounding areas through their work. He was also an avid Vols fan of all Volunteer sports. 

Jim was a dedicated community leader. He was recognized as one of Roane County's Treasures for his work and service. He worked as a supervisor with the Kingston Post office for 20 years before his retirement, but that did not mean he slowed down any at all. He served on the Roane County Election Commission, was a part of the Kingston Century Club, served as a member of the Roane County High School Band Booster Club, served with the Roane County Republican Party Headquarters, and also looked after the Emory Heights Baptist Church Cemetery and directed their community center activities for over 8 years. 

His faith played a huge part in his life as he was a proud member of Emory Heights Baptist Church in Harriman where he proudly served the Lord, just as he was willing to serve so many others throughout his life.

 Jim was a true pillar of the community and his legacy will always live on through his impact and reach felt by so many who were fortunate to know him. 

He is preceded in death by his parents: Thomas Walter Ryans & Margaret Elizabeth Ryans; siblings: Marie Shubert (Junior), Faye Conley (Carl), Marsha Morrison (Buck), Tommy Ryans (Kaye), and Johnny Ryans; nephew: Mike Conley. He is survived by:

Wife of 57 years: Agnes Ryans

Children: Robby Ryans (April), Jennifer Dawn Silvey (Brian), and Debbie Ryans

Grandchildren: Zane Ryans, Reagan Ryans, Ryan Silvey, Brileigh Silvey, Samantha Silvey, Jill Dunn

Brothers: Alan Ryans (Ala) and Richard Ryans

along with a host of nieces, nephews, and other extended family members and friends. 

The family will receive friends on Sunday, July 19th, 2026, from 2:00-4:00 pm ET at the Emory Heights Baptist Church in Harriman. Funeral service will follow at 4:00 pm ET with Pastor Dan Weber and Pastor Wayne Nelson officiating. Graveside and interment service will follow in the Emory Heights Baptist Church Cemetery with full military honors presented by the U.S. Army Honor Guard and the Roane County Military Memorial Honor Guard. Evans Mortuary is serving the family of Mr. James "Jim" Ryans Sr.