PROFILE: James J. “Jimmie” Ryan was born in March of 1890 or 1892 and died at the age of 60 in a Boston hospital. He was a well known greyhound breeder and owner who quit a job that supported his 10 children in order to dedicate all his time to racing and breeding greyhounds. He was a member of the National Coursing Association.

HISTORY: Ryan first became associated with greyhounds when, as was customary in the early 1940’s, he would board greyhounds on his 40 to 50 acre Wakefield, Mass. Farm for the kennels running at nearby Wonderland. In 1942, Ryan received three pups as pay for raising a litter for one of the kennel men who boarded dogs on the estate. Ryan started the kennel that bears his name, a bold venture at the time because he was one of the first to raise greyhounds in the New England climate. With hard work and determination he turned the small time operation into a successful business in less than 10 years. Family members continue the greyhound racing tradition established by their father and grandfather.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS: His most famous greyhound was BIT-OF-BUZZ, who along with another champion, MAUDE BROOKS, were among the pups Ryan received as payment. BIT-OF-BUZZ won the inaugural national championship at Wonderland, Revere in 1945 as well as many other important stakes throughout his five year racing career, during which he became known for his late speed. Ryan’s greyhounds were popular both in New England and Florida.