James William Bryan

It is with great sadness that the family of James William Bryan announces his passing, on Friday January 1, 2021 at his home in Canyon Lake CA, at the age of 86. James is survived by his wife of close to 60 years - Julia Nugent Bryan, 5 children (daughter Babette Kelley and husband Keith, son Jim Bryan, son William Todd Bryan and wife Ruth, daughter Holly Grande and husband Jeff, son David and wife Jen, 6 grandchildren (Nicolas Kelley, Aden Bryan, Phillip Bryan, Gabriella Grande, David Bryan, and Liana Grande, 2 siblings sister Mary (Diffy) Smith and her husband Freeman, brother Edwin B. and his wife Marianne, and numerous nieces and nephews.

James is preceded in death by his parents John Widder and Muriel Snelgrove Bryan, and brothers John W. Bryan Jr. (Jack), Bruce P., and F. Gerald Bryan.

Jim’s life had many influences, from a military upbringing, an almost 4-year stint in the Army, several years as a Bell Helicopter field support representative / instructor, a graduate of the University of Hawaii’s Art Department, lifelong lover of art, an artist / sculptor who had a family first life focus. His mechanical background and artistic influences, at first glance would seem unrelated, but he found a unique way to merge both into everything he did. This combination allowed him to succeed at a wide variety of professions, from Helicopter field support representative / instructor, Packaging Designer in the Cosmetic Industry, Graphic Designer, Inventor who holds two patents, CEO of William Hartley cosmetic company, Professor of Graphic Arts at Paier College of Art in New Haven Ct, to lifelong instructor for his 5 children or anyone who asked.

Memorial contributions may be made to the University of Hawaii Art Department Foundation. Contributions may be made at . Please add the annotation “In https://giving.uhfoundation.org/funds/20137503 memory of James W. Bryan” in the memo field of the online donation.

Contributions may also be made by sending a check made out to “University of Hawai‘i Foundation”, with “In memory of James W. Bryan” & “Art Student Aid Endowment” written in the memo section. Mail check to UHM Department of Art +Art History, 2535 McCarthy Mall, Honolulu, HI 96822.

The family is hoping to have a Celebration of Life in Connecticut, sometime in the summer 2021? Depending on the Covid-19 vaccine deployment.