Jim Ryno of Meadowlakes, Texas, died on August 13, 2026. Just as he lived life on his own terms, he left it as he wished—in the peace and comfort of his home, surrounded by his family.

Born in Waco, Jim remained a Texan through and through. Although his childhood was marked by the hardships common to the post-war era, Jim went on to earn a Bachelor of Business Administration from Texas Tech University and forever remained a relentless Tech fan. He played baseball from a young age and continued playing throughout his college years. He was confirmed in the Lutheran Church.

Gifted with numbers, an extraordinary memory, and a natural talent for negotiation, Jim became a successful entrepreneur. He established a thriving property-management company in Houston before moving his family to Marble Falls to leave the rat race behind and establish Ryno and Associates Real Estate. He lived, breathed, and talked real estate until the very end, ultimately entrusting the company and its legacy to his daughter Peggy.

Jim lived life exactly as he wanted, surrounded by the people and pursuits that mattered most to him. Above all, he was devoted to his family. Smart, witty, opinionated, and wonderfully contrary, he never hesitated to tell you what he thought, whether you had asked or not. He could talk with almost anyone for hours, pull your leg with a perfectly straight face, and recall decades-old details as though they had happened yesterday. With Jim, nearly everything was a gamble, and almost any occasion could inspire a friendly wager.

At home on both the land and the water, Jim was a skilled fisherman and hunter, a devoted Houston Astros fan, and a formidable golfer. If you were looking for Ryno, the golf course was always the first place to check. He played thousands of rounds throughout his lifetime and carried the permanent sock tan to prove it. He also enjoyed music, dogs, and a perfectly cooked steak—and had little mercy for anyone who dared put ketchup on one.

A faithful and loyal friend, Jim will be remembered by countless people whose lives were richer for having known him.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Walter and Bertha Ryno. He is survived by his three children, Michael Ryno and his wife, Alicia; Peggy Audino and her husband, Nick; and Teresa Sanpietro and her husband, Steve; Stacee Hopkins, whom he considered a daughter, and her husband, Buster; his sister, Kay Hales and her husband, Bobby; and 16 grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

A graveside service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, August 18, 2026, at Waco Memorial Park in Waco, Texas.