November CBA Report

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This section honors the lives of deceased members of the local Bar. For more information about this service,
please contact Aris Yowell at (513) 699-1391 or
memorials
James Joseph Ryan
1929 – 2016
James Joseph Ryan (Jim), age 87, passed away on August
20, 2016 following a short illness. Jim was preceded in death
by his parents, Robert M. Ryan and Marian H. Ryan and
brother, Robert J. Ryan M.D.
Jim received an enriched Jesuit education experience
– graduating from St. Xavier High School (class of 1947)
and Xavier University (class of 1951) – where he graduated
magna cum laude. Following an exemplary collegiate career, Jim decided to further
his education by attending the University of Cincinnati College of Law (class of
1954), where he once again graduated with high honors and distinction.
Following law school, Jim went on to become a teacher’s associate at North-
western Law School (1954 – 1955). He also went on to serve his country in the United
States Army as captain in the Judge Advocate General’s Corp where he was awarded
The Commendation Ribbon and Metal Pendant for Meritorious Service. He was
honorably discharged from the United States Army in 1965.
Jim started practice at Dolle, O’Donnell, Cash, Fee and Hahn in Cincinnati in
1958. He was a general lawyer with emphasis on tax law. Jim joined Taft Stettinius &
Hollister as a partner in 1971 and served as head of the Taft Tax, Probate and Estate
Planning Department until 1998. Jim was very much a teacher all of his professional
life and served as a mentor to many lawyers in and outside of the firm. His gentle-
manly and considerate professorial style was exhibited in negotiations within the
firm as well as in handling tax controversies before the Internal Revenue Service.
Jim was a strong and forceful advocate and there was an edge to his negotiations and
advocacy. Still, he was always courteous and forthright in all his dealings.
Jim displayed wonderful character traits throughout his career. He was totally
honest and ethical and gave an insightful and thoughtful presentation on legal ethics
in tax controversies at a CBA seminar near the end of his career which summed up
his approach to law practice. Jim was the consummate family man and husband and
spent hours of valuable quality time in family gatherings and travel experiences.
Around the firm he was known as a “people” person and had good relations with all
levels of staff, lawyers and clients. He became a beloved member of the firm as senior
counselor. He stepped down as head of the tax department in 1998 and retired from
active practice at the end of 1999.
Jim was an extremely outgoing and charitable person. He was an active and
generous supporter of many charitable causes and community concerns. He never
turned down a request for assistance to individuals and organizations in need or
displaying a good cause. Jim was active in the St. Antoninus Church, served as
President of CORVA and was active as a board member on many other charitable
organizations including the Resident Home, which provides holistic services to
children and adults with developmental challenges. He was a member of the Cincin-
nati Bar Association, the Ohio Bar Association and the American Bar Association
throughout his career. Jim loved to play golf with friends and family at Western
Hills Country Club, even though he never became as accomplished at the game as
he wished.
Jim is survived by his wife of 62 years, Mary A. “Cookie”, sons Kevin, Timothy,
Daniel, and daughter Nora R. Spencer and their spouses. Jim was the cherished
grandfather of eight, always greeting them with a twinkle in the eye and unwav-
ering support. Jim led a full and enriched life and left an indelible mark on the many
people with whom he crossed paths. He will be sorely missed by many.
— Daniel Ryan and Bob Rich
November 2017 CBA REPORT l 33