Support Kristin Ryan After Jim's Passing

Dear Family and Friends,

We are heartbroken to share the passing of our brother-in-law, Jim Ryan, who left us far too soon at the age of 68. Jim was the beloved husband of our sister Kristin, father to Jack and Julia, son, brother, English teacher, Basketball and Lacrosse coach, friend, uncle, cousin and son-in-law. He touched countless lives with his warmth, wisdom, witty personality and unwavering kindness. His passing leaves a tremendous hole in the hearts of all who knew him, from the Jersey Shore to the Outerbanks, from Clayton to Charlotte and of course up and down the halls of Cardinal Gibbons High School in Raleigh, NC.

When we suggested initiating a GoFundMe campaign with Kristin, she was very reluctant because it is not in her nature to ever take a handout. As her sisters, we know Jim’s passing puts Kristin in a precarious situation financially. As many people may remember, Kristin had a life-threatening lung illness in 2017-2018, from which she continues to battle side effects and requires specialty medications. These serious health issues have left her unable to work full-time and have placed a significant financial strain on the family. Most recently, Kristin was covered 100% on Jim’s medical insurance at Cardinal Gibbons, which will expire at the end of May due to his passing. She is working on getting a new plan in place in the next couple weeks while she also plans Jim’s funeral service. We are sharing these personal details with Kristin’s permission simply so you can understand her current needs.

Your support will provide a cushion to help ease the cost of medical bills, insurance, and everyday living expenses during this incredibly difficult time. Your support will help ensure that Kristin receives the care and help she needs medically and otherwise. (for example, having someone help her mow the lawn so her rheumatoid arthritis doesn’t flare up). As her sisters who live hundreds of miles away, we hope our circles of friends and Kristin’s circles will understand the importance of this opportunity to help from afar. We have heard from so many of you who want to do something – so here is the perfect way you can feel good about helping. Please consider a donation to the Ryan family, no matter the size. Kristin has told us how incredibly grateful she is to have had Jim in her life for the past 35 years, and how appreciative she is for any contributions that may be made. We are all better for having known and loved Jim Ryan.

Thank you in advance,

With love from the bottom of our hearts,

Dana McArdle Skidmore & Kate McArdle Thibault (Kristin’s sisters)