James Jim Howard Ryser II passed away on October 2, 2024, at the age of 75.

He was born in Horton, KS on January 24, 1949. Jim was the son of the late James Howard Ryser I and Della (Iles) Ryser (Lucius). Jim was a lifetime resident of Effingham, KS. He graduated from ACCHS in 1967. He attended Highland Community College and Fort Hays State University where he played on the Football teams. Jim had worked previously at the Underground Storage Facility (The Cave) and MGP Ingredients in Atchison, KS. Jim retired from MGP in 2011 after 25 years of service. He was also known for running Jim’s Place bar in Effingham.  Jim greatly enjoyed raising and working with show cattle. He also enjoyed traveling to the numerous cattle shows on the circuit. Over the course of his younger years, Jim played on several of Lee Eckert and Crew’s Slow Pitch Softball teams in the area, as well as on MGP’s Summer Leagues. His hobbies were fishing, mowing grass, attending local sporting events and KSU Football games. Jim was a long-time member of the Atchison County Fair Board (over 50 years) and served as Vice President for several years. He was the recipient of the C.E. Sells and the Friend of 4-H Awards. 

Jim was preceded in death by both Parents, Stepfather John (Bud) Lucius, and two infant brothers, Richard and Zane.

He is survived by his brother Jack (Kathy) Ryser of Lancaster, KS; several nieces and nephews: Krystalyn Iles-Lucius of Effingham, KS; Elizabeth Iles-Lucius of Atchison, KS; Eric (Julie) Ryser of Lake Elbow, KS;  Amy Ryser of Wheat Ridge, CO; Melissa (Jim) Delzeit of Troy, KS; and great nieces Ella & Ada McGregor, great nephew Aaron James Lindstrom, and great nieces Aneliza & Aaliyah Griffin.

Memorial Services will be held at the Becker-Dyer-Stanton Funeral Home in Atchison, KS, on October 22, 2024, at 2:00 p.m. The family asks that guests dress comfortably and casually. The family will have a private ceremony for interment at a later date. Jim will be laid to rest at the Monrovia Cemetery in Monrovia, Kansas. Online condolences may be left at www.beckerdyer.com.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made in Jim’s name to the Atchison County Fair Board and may be sent in care of the funeral home.