Baldwinsville Mourns the Loss of James W. Ryan, Beloved Class of 2025 Graduate
BALDWINSVILLE, NY — It is with profound sadness and heavy hearts that the Baldwinsville community announces the passing of James W. Ryan, a beloved member of the Baldwinsville High School Class of 2025, whose sudden and untimely departure has left a deep and unshakable void in the lives of all who knew and loved him.
James, just 18 years old, was more than a student — he was a kind, spirited, and compassionate young man with an infectious smile and a heart full of warmth. His passing has sent ripples of grief through his family, his classmates, his teachers, and the entire Baldwinsville community. Whether it was in the classroom, on the athletic fields, or in quiet conversations with friends, James left an indelible impression wherever he went.
A lifelong resident of Baldwinsville, James was known for his unwavering dedication to his studies, his deep sense of empathy, and his natural ability to lift the spirits of those around him. A bright and engaged student, James had recently graduated from C.W. Baker High School and was preparing to embark on the next chapter of his life, with plans to attend college in the fall. He had expressed interest in pursuing a degree in computer science, with dreams of one day developing educational tools that could make learning more accessible to children around the world.
James’s extracurricular passions were just as remarkable. He was a proud member of the school’s track and field team, where he competed in mid-distance events and was admired by teammates for his sportsmanship, dedication, and work ethic. Off the track, James was active in the Robotics Club, a talented programmer who relished the challenge of problem-solving and collaboration. His teachers often described him as “brilliant but humble,” a student whose curiosity was matched only by his desire to help others.
But what those closest to James will remember most is not just his accomplishments — it’s his heart. He was the friend who checked in when someone was having a hard day, the classmate who stayed late to help others finish group projects, the son who brought laughter and light to his home. His kindness was not performative; it was part of who he was. The world felt safer, kinder, and more promising with James in it.
In the wake of his passing, Baldwinsville High School Principal Laura Wicks issued a heartfelt statement:
“James was one of those rare students who touched the lives of everyone — students, faculty, and staff. He had a quiet strength and a generosity of spirit that made our school better just by his presence. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered.”
The school district has arranged for grief counselors to be available throughout the week for students and staff, and a special memorial will be held on campus to honor James’s life and legacy.
A candlelight vigil is scheduled for Saturday evening at 7:30 p.m. at Baldwinsville Community Park, where friends, family, teachers, and neighbors will gather to share memories, offer prayers, and celebrate the life of a young man whose light, though extinguished far too soon, continues to shine in the hearts of those he touched.
James is survived by his loving parents, Michael and Karen Ryan, his younger sister Emily, his grandparents, and many extended family members who adored him deeply. His family released a statement expressing their profound grief and gratitude for the support they have received:
“James was our heart. We are devastated, but we are also overwhelmed by the love being shown to our family. He was so loved — and we will carry his light with us always.”
A funeral service for James will be held at St. Mary’s Church in Baldwinsville, with details to be shared in the coming days. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in James’s memory to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) or to a local scholarship fund being established in his name to support Baldwinsville students pursuing careers in technology and education.
As the Baldwinsville community mourns this profound loss, the memory of James W. Ryan endures — in the laughter of his friends, the wisdom he shared, the lives he touched, and the love that will never fade. He may be gone, but his spirit lives on in every act of kindness, every moment of compassion, and every dream that dares to hope for a better world.