In Memory: James S. Rynning

Jim Rynning, a retired U.S. Air Force colonel who was active in Curiosity Unlimited and who is believed to be the oldest person to complete courses at UCCS, died Feb. 17. He was 92.

Memorial services are private. Survivors include two sons, Irving Rynning, a graduate student and student employee in the College of Engineering; Jim, and daughter, Margaret Everson.

His obituary, as prepared by family members and published in the Colorado Springs Gazette, follows.

James Lawrence Rynning, 92, passed away on February 17, 2013 in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Jim was born on February 26, 1920 in Minneapolis, Minnesota to the late Sam and Marie (Niederkorn) Rynning. After receiving his diploma from Duluth Central High School in 1938, Jim graduated from Duluth Junior College in 1940. In 1942 he enrolled in the Army Air Force which included serving during World War II. On October 9, 1943, Jim married his beloved wife Helen Dee Jackson in Monroe, Louisiana. After discharge from the Army Air Force in 1945, Jim attended the University of Minnesota obtaining his degree in Electrical Engineering. While serving in the United States Air Force from 1948-1974, Jim Received his Masters Degree in Business Administration at Southern California. He retired from the Air Force in 1974. Jim was a lifetime student and enjoyed learning and expanding his knowledge and education. He also attended classes at UC in Boulder, Colorado and then at UCCS. He supported Curiosity Unlimited, the YMCA, Colorado Springs Philharmonic, the Chamber Orchestra and the Theatrework at UCCS. Jim is survived by two sons, Irv Rynning of Colorado Springs and Jim Rynning of California; one daughter, Margaret Everson of Florida as well as three grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his loving wife, Helen Dee in 2005; one brother, Paul and one sister, Joyce. Private interment will be held at Fort Logan National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to CU Foundation/Curiosity Unlimited, 1420 Austin Bluffs Parkway, Colorado Springs, Colorado 80918 or made online at www.cufund.org/curiosity. Online Condolences: ShrineOfRemembrance.com

Rynning was featured as part of a the class of 2009 for completing, at age 89, all of the upper division physics courses and earning a Special Chancellor’s Award for his demonstration of life-long learning.

The 2009 feature follows:

Jim Rynning was a student studying physics at a large Midwestern university when his studies were interrupted, first by World War II and later the Korean War, a military career, and family.

Now at age 89, Rynning has completed all of the upper division physics courses at the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs, earning the respect of students and faculty alike. He recently earned a special Chancellor’s Award for his demonstration of life-long learning.

“Jim is simply amazing,” James Burkhart, associate dean, College of Letters Arts and Sciences and professor of physics, said. “He not only goes to class, he sits in the front row and even laughs at the professor’s jokes!”

At nearly six feet tall and sporting a white crew cut, Rynning is a fixture on the UCCS campus, completing courses in history, physics and philosophy for more than a decade as well as being an active participant in Curiosity Unlimited, a campus-based program designed to improve interaction between the public and university faculty.

“Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday, I open the downtown YMCA at 5 a.m.,” Rynning said recently. “Tuesdays and Thursdays are my university days.”

Rynning participated in a “listening in” program offered by the university for senior citizens. The program allows individuals more than 55 years old, on a space available basis, to participate in college courses, usually by listening to faculty lectures and participating in discussions. Rynning not only participated in class discussions, he completed assignments and took required tests.  More than once, he purchased books as gifts for his classmates, some of whom are 70 years his junior.

Rynning wouldn’t have had it any other way.

“I butter up the guys with a calendar or something and the ladies with candy,” Rynning said. “It’s not a problem.”

What’s next for the retired Air Force colonel who cruises Colorado Springs in a yellow VW bug?

“I hear they’ve got some new courses in quantum mechanics,” Rynning said. “I’ll be back next fall.”