'Kind and conscientious,' Presentation Secondary School in Thurles remember Jim Ryan
Both the teachers and the pupils at the school were saddened by Jim's passing in February
The Presentation Secondary School in Thurles has released the following in memoriam article for their beloved colleague and teacher Jim Ryan, who tragically passed away earlier this year.
For the Presentation Secondary School Community, the joy of year’s end is this year tempered by the absence of our dear friend and colleague, Jim Ryan, who sadly passed away on February 24.
Jim's relationship with the Presentation family was lifelong.
Like many young boys in the area, Jim's formative education was with the Sisters at Presentation Primary.
Later, his beloved daughters Claire and Roisin joined our community.
In 2015, Jim himself enrolled as a member of our Maths Department and his roguish sense of humour and bombast quickly made him popular with both students and staff.
He was a kind and conscientious teacher, willing to go above and beyond to ensure his students' academic success, as well as their emotional well-being.
He became affectionately known as Mr. Jim, and sharing his love of maths became a cornerstone of his pedagogical approach.
Jim strived to make even the most challenging topics enjoyable, often using his quick wit and infectious humour to engage his students.
A testament to his professionalism and his dedication was a request for new textbooks only weeks before his death.
As a colleague, Jim was always willing to share his opinions and expertise, and he became a mentor to many.
Jim was a critical thinker and used his voice to challenge convention and advocate for his students.
Each June, Jim played a pivotal role in supporting and advising students through the exam process, as well as in the statistical analysis of results achieved.
He had a knack for lifting spirits, even on the toughest days.
Outside of school, Jim was a loving husband to Theresa and father to Stephen, Claire and Roisin.
He cherished his family and often spoke of them with great pride and affection.
Jim counted mentoring his beloved daughter, Roisin through the Leaving Certificate programme in the Presentation as one of his greatest professional achievements.
In many ways the passing of Jim heralds the passage of an era, not just for the Presentation Community, but for Irish education as a whole.
Jim was a personality of his time. A kind man who met the world with humour. He teased, he poked, he provoked; and in so doing he inspired.
Students felt they had found an ally in Jim. Someone who cared, but who did not infantilise. Someone who met students where they were at, but who pushed them to think independently.
When they struggled, he helped; often meeting students at the end of a long day to offer support and guidance.
We will all miss Mr. Jim. We will miss his twinkling eye and twitching tash and the great belly laugh that sang through our corridors.
But he leaves behind a community that is richer for having had him in it; and lasting memories that will continue to inspire and bring joy to us all.