Jerry Ryman, born November 16, 1932, in Waynesboro, Virginia passed peacefully into the arms of his Lord Jesus Christ on Friday, August 9, 2024, at Saddleback Memorial Hospital. Jerry is survived by his wife, Song and stepchildren Frank, Liz, Sharon, and James, and 9 grandchildren, and 5 great grandchildren.

Jerry graduated from Tri-State College in Angola, Indiana in 1953 and immediately entered the Naval flight program.  He received his wings of gold and was commissioned an Ensign in November 1954.  Jerry served both in the Korean and Vietnam Wars and retired after twenty-five years as a full Commander in 1978.  Jerry spent much of his career on aircraft carriers.  He had over 500 carrier landings of which more than 160 were at night.  His last operational flying was in Vietnam for which he received 2 air medals.  He then became one of nine Navy Commanders who were in charge of the Command Center for Naval Forces Europe, in London.

Jerry has lived in 8 states, plus 3 years in London.  He moved to California in the early 1980's and lived in Mission Viejo and Laguna Woods.  One of his most fun post Navy retirement jobs was with the Leisure World/Laguna Woods Transportation Department.  He loved helping people and was extremely gregarious.

Jerry began playing golf in the early 60's.  He has had 7 holes in one and has been runner-up in the Laguna Wood's President's Cup and Club Championship.  He served on the Board of Directors as President and Handicap Chairman.  Jerry's finest hour in golf was the day he shot one under his age, at the age of 67!  He lost count of how many times he has shot under his age after that .. it's been more than 100 rounds.

Jerry loved his Lord Jesus Christ and has been a member of Geneva Presbyterian Church in Laguna Woods over all these years in the area.  He was a fun-loving father and grandfather!  He was always generous with his talent, time, and treasures.  His joy was his family.  His sorrow was that both his natural born sons predeceased him.

A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, September 7, 2024, 11 am at Geneva Presbyterian Church's Chapel, 24301 El Toro Road, Laguna Woods, CA 92637.  The Celebration will be followed by a lunch reception.  Jerry will be interred at the Riverside National Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Geneva Presbyterian Church Mission's Fund > https://www.genevapres.org/giving