Feb. 29, 2012

CHICAGO - UIC Athletics lost a dear friend and arguably its biggest fan Monday, when Hall-of-Famer and former Flames' baseball standout Jim Ryan passed away at the age of 50. Visitation and funeral arrangements have been set by the Ryan family for Thursday and Friday, respectively.

Ryan's visitation will be held Thursday, from 3:00-9:00 p.m. CST, at Donnellan Funeral Home, at 10525 S. Western Avenue in Chicago. Funeral proceedings are scheduled for Friday, beginning at 9:30 a.m., at Most Holy Redeemer, 95th and Lawndale in Evergreen Park.

Ryan's contributions to UIC and the Flames have been numerous. He came to UIC in 1981, and was a member of the baseball team for four years. His .350 career batting average is 10th in program history (he was very proud to be tied with the New York Yankees' Curtis Granderson in that statistical category).

Ryan was elected to the UIC Athletic Hall of Fame in 1985. He was a member of the President's Council and a recipient of the Chancellor Silver Service Award. Ryan was a Floor Season Ticket Holder at UIC Basketball games, and kept his seat adjacent to the UIC bench for more than 20 years. From that seat, he was known to befriend the officials by bringing them water during timeouts.

In addition to his countless hours of volunteer work and active membership in the UIC Athletic Alumni Club, Ryan was a successful Adjuster for State Farm Insurance.

Jim Ryan is survived by his wife, Sue, and three daughters: Jenna, Sarah and Christina.