James E. Ryel

James E. Ryel, 86, of the Town of Salisbury, New York, passed away peacefully on Thursday night, September 3, 2025 at Bassett Healthcare in Cooperstown, New York.

He was born on July 4, 1939 in Copenhagen, New York and was the son of the late, Eugene and Lois (Ball) Ryel. James was educated at Copenhagen High School and graduated with the Class of 1958.

On November 4, 1959, James enlisted in the United States Navy where he served on the submarine the USS Irex (SS482) as an electrician. After four years, he was honorably discharged on November 1, 1959 as an IC2 (SS), E-5.

After his military service, James was employed by several places including Kraft Foods in South Rutland, NY, Queen Farms in Copenhagen, NY, and caretaker and gravedigger for Riverside Cemetery, also in Copenhagen, NY. His love for the Bible and God brought him to Christian Lake Bible Conference Ministry located in the Town of Salisbury, NY, where he volunteered his time and became the caretaker of the conference center. He was also was a logger at the center for his good friend, Don Webb. He retired after many years of service.

James enjoyed reading, taking walks in his sock feet on wet dew filled grass, and watching and feeding birds. His most precious time was spent in the company of the Congdon and Bilger family who became his family. James enjoyed traveling all over with them including trips to Outer Banks, North Carolina, Deadwood, North Dakota to visit Wild Bill Hadcock and Calamity Jane’s gravesites, Lake George, NY Trips and swimming with the kids in the jacuzzi, visiting the Amelia Earhart Museum and walking through the submarine the USS Nautilus at the Submarine Force Museum in Groton, CT.

James had many adventures over the years with his family and was affectionately called Grandpa by them. Over the years, James has touched many lives with his kind heart and ability to love all. He will be dearly missed.

He is survived by his family, the Rodney and Cheryl Congdon of Salisbury, NY; grandchildren, Jules and Janet Bilger of Salisbury, NY; great-grandchildren, Sabrina, Sophia, Savannah, Serenity, Lliam, Hannah, Noah, Amelia and Roman; a great-great granddaughter, Eliza; close friends, Larry and Bonnie Morotti, Mark Helmer, Pastor Duane Holmes, Carl Veil, Ben Wilkerson, Corey and Nancy Banks, Alan and Melissa Webb and their families; cousins; and many friends throughout the years from the Christian Lake Bible Conference Center.

He was predeceased by his parents and an infant sibling.

Calling hours will be held on Monday, September 8, 2025 from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Miller-Plonka Funeral Home, 30 Wolf Street, Dolgeville, New York 13329, Cremations and Funerals, in conjunction with Roberts Funeral Home, with  A funeral service will be held immediately after at 6 p.m. also at the funeral home with Pastor Duane Holmes officiating.  A graveside service will be held on Tuesday, September 9, 2025 at 12 p.m. (noon) at Riverside Cemetery in Copenhagen, New York, 3018 Cataract Street, Copenhagen, New York 13626, where he will be laid to rest next to his father, Eugene. Members of the United States Navy will accord funeral honors at the cemetery.

Please consider memorial contributions for the Russian Bible Society, P.O. Box 505, Skyland, NC 28776.

To leave a message of sympathy for the family of James E. Ryel, please visit www.millerplonkafuneralhome.com and sign the tribute wall or leave a photo or memory for his online memory book.

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