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James Wesley Bryan

December 29, 1939
–
February 12, 2023

James W. Bryan, M.D. – dedicated doctor, unwavering patriot, brave soldier, and loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, and loyal friend – passed away at his home on February 12, 2023. James, “Jim,” was unselfish and generous, always putting others ahead of himself. Jim’s actions and words were reflections of his humanity and his character. We are grateful for his innumerable contributions to the lives of those who knew him. Jim was a board certified ophthalmologist. He received his undergraduate education from Stanford University and, subsequently, his Medical degree from Cornell University. After completing a surgical internship at The New York Hospital, he served as an Eye Surgeon in the Army during the Vietnam War. Dr. Bryan then went on to complete his Ophthalmological Residency at the Mayo Clinic. Dr. Bryan was previously a Director at the Medical Eye Services of California, INC, a Chief of Staff at Little Company of Mary Hospital, and Past President of the Southern California Eye Bank and Research Foundation. Dr. Bryan was a member of the American Association of Ophthalmology, the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery, and a fellow of the American Academy of Ophthalmology, to name a few. Dr. Bryan practiced for over 56 years in Torrance, CA; he was loved by his patients because of his humble, compassionate expertise. Jim played basketball for Stanford for three of his four years there. Jim’s greatest passion was golf and, when he was not working, you would find him at the Palos Verdes Country Club playing golf with his friends. Jim was born in Texas and raised in Kansas. Jim is survived by his loving wife, Michelle, daughters Lisa (and her husband Joe) Bollinger and Holly (and her husband Steve) Powell, and his grandchildren (Bryan, Bradley, Grace, Olivia, and Audrey). He is also survived by his identical twin brother, Timothy (and his wife Penny) Byran, and his sister, Barbara Hise. Jim’s favorite Bible verse was Isaiah 41:10, “Do not fear, for I am with you; Do not be afraid, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, I will also help you, I will also uphold you with My righteous right hand” (NASB). Jim will surely be missed by all who knew and loved him.

Tribute Wall

Jill & Barrett O’Gorman
February 28 / 2023
Anita
So so sorry to see your father has passed. You are in my thoughts as you grieve this big loss. Wishing you peace.
February 27 / 2023
Lisa Bryan Bollinger
Thank you Dad for sharing your gentle heart, your heroism and your deep humanity with me. I have been shaped by your faith, fierce love of family, your feisty sense of humor, your deep friendships, and your example of how to forgive and be forgiven. Thank you for encouraging me and loving me just as I am. Thank you for teaching me to live freely and to let go of what other people think. Thanks for loving my wild hair, my sometimes wild kids and for your playful smile and spirit. It was always easy to be myself with you. Your courage in the face of great pain, personal and physical trials taught me what what true strength is. You lived physically restrained for decades but fully free in God's amazing grace. You found joy and humor in some of the darkest moments. Your life moved me. I cherish some of your last words to me: "I'm just enjoying it...being alive. Life sure is beautiful, isn't it?" Yes, Dad, it is, because you chose to see it that way. I spent years wandering and "working" around your office as a young girl, so proud of my dad the eye doctor. And what I treasure now is how you helped me "see" the things that matter most in life. I am eternally grateful. I love you daddy, xox Lisa b.
February 27 / 2023
Lisa, Joe, Bryan, Bradley & Grace Bollinger
Thank you for all the love you planted in us Dad. Your legacy lives on in our hearts and lives every day!
February 26 / 2023
The Bryan-Powell Family
February 26 / 2023
Holly Bryan-Powell
My dad was a brilliant, funny, kind man who loved me fiercely in the ways he knew how. He is why I understand grace. He taught me to ski and to drive, to always carry a personal calendar, and to love animals and bawdy humor. He gave me his nose and made me a runner and an early riser. He loved dessert, golf, Stanford, basketball, and good shenanigans. He had an encyclopedic knowledge of college sports. For 56 years he carried and prayed over the handwritten surgical records of his patients at the 24th Evacuation Hospital at Long Binh, Vietnam. He was beloved by family, friends, patients, and those he walked with in sobriety and faith. He called me Birdie. Holly Bird. I am grateful to see his spirit and intellect (and, ok, that love of good shenanigans) in my daughters, Olivia and Audrey--Livvy and Audge to their Papa. Godspeed, Dad. See you on the shores of Kauai, whenever John Denver plays on the radio, in the back booth at Good Stuff waiting on your Greek omelette, and every time I take the long way home past the 17th hole at PV.
February 26 / 2023
Laura Eschbach Figueirinhas
John Denver floated through the air of my childhood on the Pegasus II. His fun loving ways and big heart touched the Eschbach clan deeply.
March 4 / 2023
Anonymous
March 3 / 2023
Bill Beck
Jim was a friend since fourth grade (along with twin brother, Tim) as we went through grade school and high school together. We always stayed in touch and had so many memories growing up! Jim was one of the best shooters on the basketball court and a very good all around athlete. He was our high school senior class president and National Honor Society member. Through our adult years, Jim was always loyal and helpful in so many ways. We continued to share life's joys and challenges. Jim, to the very end, remained a major part of my life. I will miss him forever! My wife, Vesna, and I send our condolences to Jim's wife, Michelle, and all the family members. Rest in Peace, James Wesley Bryan! Bill Beck
March 3 / 2023
Anonymous
Lisa and Family, May you find peace in sweet memories of your father/grandfather and your faith.
March 2 / 2023

Tribute Wall

The obituary has no messages

Tribute Wall

Jill & Barrett O’Gorman
February 28 / 2023
Anita
So so sorry to see your father has passed. You are in my thoughts as you grieve this big loss. Wishing you peace.
February 27 / 2023
Lisa Bryan Bollinger
Thank you Dad for sharing your gentle heart, your heroism and your deep humanity with me. I have been shaped by your faith, fierce love of family, your feisty sense of humor, your deep friendships, and your example of how to forgive and be forgiven. Thank you for encouraging me and loving me just as I am. Thank you for teaching me to live freely and to let go of what other people think. Thanks for loving my wild hair, my sometimes wild kids and for your playful smile and spirit. It was always easy to be myself with you. Your courage in the face of great pain, personal and physical trials taught me what what true strength is. You lived physically restrained for decades but fully free in God's amazing grace. You found joy and humor in some of the darkest moments. Your life moved me. I cherish some of your last words to me: "I'm just enjoying it...being alive. Life sure is beautiful, isn't it?" Yes, Dad, it is, because you chose to see it that way. I spent years wandering and "working" around your office as a young girl, so proud of my dad the eye doctor. And what I treasure now is how you helped me "see" the things that matter most in life. I am eternally grateful. I love you daddy, xox Lisa b.
February 27 / 2023
Lisa, Joe, Bryan, Bradley & Grace Bollinger
Thank you for all the love you planted in us Dad. Your legacy lives on in our hearts and lives every day!
February 26 / 2023
The Bryan-Powell Family
February 26 / 2023
Holly Bryan-Powell
My dad was a brilliant, funny, kind man who loved me fiercely in the ways he knew how. He is why I understand grace. He taught me to ski and to drive, to always carry a personal calendar, and to love animals and bawdy humor. He gave me his nose and made me a runner and an early riser. He loved dessert, golf, Stanford, basketball, and good shenanigans. He had an encyclopedic knowledge of college sports. For 56 years he carried and prayed over the handwritten surgical records of his patients at the 24th Evacuation Hospital at Long Binh, Vietnam. He was beloved by family, friends, patients, and those he walked with in sobriety and faith. He called me Birdie. Holly Bird. I am grateful to see his spirit and intellect (and, ok, that love of good shenanigans) in my daughters, Olivia and Audrey--Livvy and Audge to their Papa. Godspeed, Dad. See you on the shores of Kauai, whenever John Denver plays on the radio, in the back booth at Good Stuff waiting on your Greek omelette, and every time I take the long way home past the 17th hole at PV.
February 26 / 2023
Laura Eschbach Figueirinhas
John Denver floated through the air of my childhood on the Pegasus II. His fun loving ways and big heart touched the Eschbach clan deeply.
March 4 / 2023
Anonymous
March 3 / 2023
Bill Beck
Jim was a friend since fourth grade (along with twin brother, Tim) as we went through grade school and high school together. We always stayed in touch and had so many memories growing up! Jim was one of the best shooters on the basketball court and a very good all around athlete. He was our high school senior class president and National Honor Society member. Through our adult years, Jim was always loyal and helpful in so many ways. We continued to share life's joys and challenges. Jim, to the very end, remained a major part of my life. I will miss him forever! My wife, Vesna, and I send our condolences to Jim's wife, Michelle, and all the family members. Rest in Peace, James Wesley Bryan! Bill Beck
March 3 / 2023
Anonymous
Lisa and Family, May you find peace in sweet memories of your father/grandfather and your faith.
March 2 / 2023

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