FEO, April 17, 2025, VOL. 6 ISSUE 16
I was inspired to reach out after reading Part 2 of your featured story on Editorial Cartooning. You see… I am J. Ryan (for whom there is nothing known). I was in high school when I had several cartoons published in the FE Extra. Imagine my surprise when I opened the paper and saw only one of my cartoons again.
Regarding the question asked in our March 6, 2025 issue: “Who was (is) J. Ryan?”…Here is his story!
James (Jamie) Ryan was born and raised in Fort Erie, Ontario (1973). He grew up on Lavinia Street and attended Douglas School before it was torn down. He was even there the day they took the wrecking ball to it. “It was every child’s dream,” he joked. Eventually, James graduated from FESS after first spending several years in the first-ever offering of the newly developed French Immersion Program. “I don’t remember any French at all. If you don’t use it, you definitely lose it,” he said.
In addition to working for the paper during his high school years, James also worked down at Fulton’s Gym on Jarvis Street, and the New York Thruway Bar & Grill on Garrison Road, which was eventually torn down to make way for the new Leisureplex Arena and Town Hall. Both businesses featured many of his murals and cartoons on the inside walls. In fact, it was John Fulton who first introduced James to the newspaper editor of the Fort Erie Extra and vouched for his artistic abilities. “Imagine being a 17-year-old kid and getting paid to share your political and social commentary on local issues. It was cool while it lasted,” said James. Back then, James was also heavily into skateboarding, weightlifting and karate, having trained under Sensei Peter Ruch for several years and eventually earning his black belt at the age of 15.
Fast forward, and James Ryan is now a Red Seal Masonry Contractor living and working in the Greater Fort Erie area. “I started my own business last year, and I specialize in anything brick, block or stone related. I even offer parging services, but my favourite material to work with is definitely natural stone. I love the hammer and chisel work more than anything.” When asked what attracted him to the masonry trade, he said he was incredibly inspired after visiting Ireland with his son. “My son and I were hiking through the Wicklow Mountains, and we came across a festival of the ancient trades. After seeing the masons in action, I realized that there was a far more artistic element to this trade than I would have originally thought. As it turns out, it’s an opportunity to work with your hands in what is generally hard, physical labour, and be creative all at the same time. I truly love my job, as it allows me to live the life that I always wanted – as an artist.“
