James Joseph Ryall

RYALL, James Joseph was born to Alan and Avis Ryall on April 2nd, 1934 in San Mateo, California, and died April 4, 2015 at age 81. Jim grew up during the Great Depression and Second World War, and learned to work hard and survive in tough times. After graduation from San Mateo High School, he and Barbara Tadson married to begin a life together that would span nearly 62 years. In 1954-56 he served in the US Army in Germany, where he was a sharpshooter. Jim was also trained in espionage, corresponding through coded letters. Upon his return to the US he held a number of jobs before settling into what would become a lifelong career making things from metal as a machinist. He started the trade at Litton Industries and eventually ran his own shop, J Ryall Machine Works. Jim was a doer, fearless to try almost anything, and had many interests. Among them were hunting and fishing, cats, motocross, boating, go cart racing, singing and songwriting, poetry, story telling, woodworking, new gadgets, Native American culture, collecting, backpacking, wheeling and dealing, photography, hot cars and motorcycles, vegetable gardening, model making, and inventing. He was always thinking about better ways to accomplish something and would create tools and inventions toward that end. Among them: perpetual motion machine (unfortunately unsuccessful), portable barbeque grill, tick removal kit, home meat smoker, and gas-powered pogo stick. His best known invention is the patented J Ryall fly reel, which is highly regarded by avid fly fishermen the world over. A jewel-encrusted version of the reel now resides in the Smithsonian collection. When asked what gave him the most pride he said his family, who he included in the pursuit of his hobbies. He also believed in helping others and did so whenever possible. He once said, "Don't try to change the world. Everyone has a sphere of influence. Do good within your sphere." He is missed. To remember Jim through photos, please visit www.jjryall.shutterfly.com. A life celebration will be held at Bucky's Lounge in San Mateo on May 2nd, 12-3 PM.

PAID OBITUARY