Obituary: James Ellery Ryant III

It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of James Ellery Ryant III, of Ash Fork, Arizona after a courageous battle against COVID-19 and pneumonia on Aug. 9, 2021 in a Buckeye, Arizona hospital.

James was born Jan. 4, 1966, son of James Ellery Ryant Jr. in Chicago, Illinois.

James was a devoted, loving, and caring husband to Susan Ryant for 37 years, with a continuing faith in God. Together for 39 years, they were high school sweethearts, and their love story will live on through his legacy.

James is survived by his lovely wife Susan, two beautiful daughters Tasha Howard and Breana Fredrickson, two amazing sons-in-law Steven Howard and Marcus Fredrickson, and many wonderful grandkids Landon Howard, Laney Howard, Nicholas Howard, Zachary Howard and Samantha Howard as well as his four grand puppies Shamu, Dawson, Rex and Axel. James is also survived by his sister Amy Duran, her husband Ed Duran and family.

James’s bigger than life personality, loving nature, and love for all will continue to flourish and be spread through his family.

James spent many years doing what he loved most by delivering newspapers to his local communities where he was able to talk daily with people and make friends with everyone he came across. His love of helping others led James to spend years on the local Ash Fork Volunteer Fire Department as a Firefighter/EMT before he began working on the road as a commercial water truck driver for a construction crew.

His years as a volunteer church youth pastor and youth softball coach touched many lives and his love for everyone helped many youths over the years accomplish their goals and shape their lives. James will be remembered and honored through his family and friends.

James was preceded in death by his father James Ryant Jr.