James Alden Ryba

On November 3, 2019, James Alden Ryba died as a result of complications from Coritcobasal Degeneration, a rare neurodegenerative disorder. He moved on from this life in the presence of his devoted wife, Barbara. He is survived by his wife and two daughters, Beth Haab and Nancy Panza; his sons-in-law, Tim Haab and Mike Panza; and his five grandchildren, Abby, Maddy, and Drew Haab and Sophia and C.J. Panza. He was predeceased by his parents, Edward and Harriette Ryba, and his brother, Jack Ryba. He is survived by his brother Larry Ryba. Jim spent his early years in Euclid, Ohio, a suburb of Cleveland. Later, the family moved to Lake Lucerne, in Chagrin Falls, Ohio. He attended Muskingum College, where met his beloved wife, Barb. Upon graduation he accepted an entry-level position with the National Security Agency and moved to the Washington DC area. Jim’s career with the NSA spanned nearly four decades and entailed tours of duty in England and Hawaii, a rise to the ranks of the Senior Executive Service, and the receipt of multiple awards for service, including both the Meritorious Civilian Service Award in 1989 and the Exceptional Civilian Service Award in 2001. He retired in 2001 and happily spent many of his post-retirement days on the golf course. Aside from golfing, he loved spending time with lifelong friends, traveling the world with Barb, and solving the computer problems of anyone in need. While his impressive career path left Jim much to take pride in, it was his family that ruled his heart. He loved his bride of 52 years deeply, was a devoted and loving father to his daughters. He spent the last two decades of his life delighting in and capturing every aspect of his grandchildren’s lives with his ever-present camera and his broad, worshipful smile that was reserved especially for the five of them. Being a grandparent was one of his greatest joys. He loved deeply and was deeply loved. A memorial service will take place on November 5, 2019 at Rutherford Funeral Home at Powell (450 West Olentangy Street, Powell, Ohio 43065). Visitation hours will be held from 1:00-3:00pm with a brief Memorial Service following at 3:00pm. In lieu of flowers, donations in Jim’s name may be sent to Capital City Hospice (2800 Corporate Drive, Suite 170, Columbus, Ohio 43231).

James Alden Ryba

November 17, 1944 - November 3, 2019