John M. Ryan

John M. Ryan, a devoted educator, scholar, veteran, and beloved husband, father, and grandfather, passed away peacefully on April 17, 2026, in Prairie Village, Kansas, at the age of 91. His long life was marked by curiosity, service, and a deep commitment to learning and community.

Born in Tulsa, Oklahoma, John spent his early childhood there before his family moved to Oklahoma City during his seventh-grade year. He graduated from Capitol Hill High School in 1952 and began his studies at Oklahoma City University, where he joined the Lambda Chi Alpha fraternity. After one year, he made the pivotal decision to enlist in the United States Army, seeking the GI Bill to continue his education. From 1953 to 1955, he served with distinction as a radio operator and then as communications chief in the 48th Anti‑Aircraft Artillery Battalion of the famed Big Red One Infantry Division, stationed in Erlangen, Germany.

Following his military service, John attended the University of Oklahoma, earning a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science in 1958. A passionate Sooners fan, he proudly witnessed two seasons of the historic 47‑game football winning streak under Coach Bud Wilkinson. His academic pursuits continued throughout his life; he earned a Master of Arts in Political Science with an emphasis in History from the University of Oklahoma in 1964, followed by a Master of Science in Economics from the University of Illinois in 1971. His intellectual curiosity led him to further study at Exeter College (Oxford University) and Claremont Graduate School. He also was awarded two National Endowment for Humanities Fellowships (Duke University and Gustavus Adolphus College), as well as a National Science Foundation Scholarship to the University of Minnesota.

On June 4, 1961, John married the love of his life, Juanita A. Dodson, whom he met in Boonville, Missouri, while both were working at Kemper Military School. The two developed a lasting partnership that was filled with shared adventures, academic pursuits, and a deep appreciation for culture and travel.

John dedicated 40 years to teaching, starting out at Kemper Military School before he joined the faculty at Rockford Auburn High School. He eventually accepted a position with the Shawnee Mission School District, where he would spend 35 years teaching (first at SM East High School, then at SM Northwest High School) before retiring in 1998. He also taught at Penn Valley Community College and Johnson County Community College. Beyond the classroom, he contributed to school life as the swim coach at Kemper and SM East, the announcer for football games and gymnastics meets at SM Northwest, and as an active participant in the Advanced Placement Program in political science. His commitment to educators extended nationally through his eight years of service on the National Education Association Teacher Rights Commission.

John faithfully attended his children’s performances and athletic events. Band concerts, gymnastics meets, hockey, T-ball, and softball games - he was always their most passionate and vocal supporter!

A lifelong traveler, John embraced the world with curiosity and enthusiasm. In 1980, he was selected as a member of “The First American Delegation to the Ministry of Education of the People’s Republic of China,” spending 30 days exploring the country before it opened to American tourism. He took his family on camping trips and vacations throughout the U.S. and Europe, imparting to his children his love for travel and adventure. Later in life with his beloved Juanita, he explored the world travelling extensively in Europe, North America, and the Caribbean - always seeking out local parks, museums, and cultural experiences.

John was also a passionate and accomplished competitive contract bridge player. A member of the American Contract Bridge League (ACBL), he attained the status of Gold Life Master and served on Bridge Unit 131. He was known for his sharp mind, strategic play, and spirited presence at the table. He also played a mean game of cribbage.

John is survived by his wife, Juanita (nee Dodson); his children, Eric (wife Janet Cinelli) and Rebecca; his granddaughter, Lilith; and his sister, Ruth (nee Ryan) Foley. He was preceded in death by his parents, Jack Ryan and Claudia (formerly Ryan, nee Gulley) Powell.

The family wishes to thank Addington Place of Prairie Village for keeping John and Juanita together for the last year and four months of John’s life. In addition, the family greatly appreciates Ascend Hospice for their loving care of John, as well as Juanita, while he was in hospice.

A Celebration of Life service and interment will be held at 1 p.m. on May 23, 2026, at St. Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church located at 6630 Nall Avenue, in Mission, Kansas, where John was a longtime member and served faithfully as a reader and liturgical assistant. The family encourages individuals to break with the tradition of wearing only dark-colored clothing to the service and interment. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that contributions may be made in memory of John M. Ryan to the Shawnee Mission Education Foundation via the Scholarship Shawnee Mission program, you may do that on line CLICK HERE. 

John’s life was defined by service, scholarship, and a genuine love of people and the world around him. His legacy lives on in the family he cherished, the countless students he inspired, and the communities he enriched. His family will remember him as a man who truly knew how to express how much he loved and appreciated them.