James "Jim/Jimmy" H. Lyons

James “Jim/Jimmy” H. Lyons Jr., 76, of Mentor, peacefully passed away August 4, 2023 at Symphony of Mentor, with his family by his side. He was born February 4, 1947 in Cleveland to the late James H. and Lillian A. Lyons. “In a dark place we find ourselves and a little more knowledge lights our way.” To ‘light our way’ for peace and comfort in Dad’s passing, here is some “knowledge” why our Dad was such an amazing man and father. He was born in Cleveland, but raised in Madison, Ohio from about 5 years old. Dad attended Madison schools, where he was known for having a great sense of humor, being a big jokester, and all around ‘nice guy”. He also was a Boy Scout, played football and graduated in 1967. Shortly after graduation he married his high school sweetheart and took a job starting his Iron Worker career in Meadville, Pa. While working out of state, Dad would make sure to return home with his family every weekend for family dinners and special occasions. He always felt being with family was very important. He later transferred to Cleveland, Ohio, working for Iron Workers Local 17. Dad was very proud of his family. He loved Sunday dinners with his parents and siblings. He was so very close with his mother. He was Momma’s boy through and through. Dad called his mom every Sunday night no matter what. Grandma would always be there for all of us, she was our glue, ensuring that we all had what we needed to succeed in life, and Dad relied on her love and support. His proudest project was working with his father (James Sr.) and brother (Johnny) at the Perry Nuclear Power Plant, on the assembly of both tower 1 and tower 2. He worked on many large projects in Cleveland, including: The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, and the Gateway Gund Arena (Progressive Field and Rocket Mortgage Arena). Members of Local 17 are proud Clevelanders, and that was our Dad through and through. Dad loved all things Cleveland. He loved the Browns, Indians, Cavs, and of course the Cleveland Force. (May The Force Be with You!) With a very busy work schedule and co-parenting two AMAZING children, Dad always did his best to do what he could as a family. He went to extreme lengths to ensure we saw every STAR WARS movie as many times as humanly possible. He filled our lives with adventure by taking us camping at Holiday Camplands in Pymatuning Lake (with Grandma and Grandpa) to Amusement parks (Cedar Point, Geauga Lake, and of course Sea World) Frequented local parks, especially Squires Castle in both winter and summer, walking the different hiking paths. Going to countless movies at both the theater and drive-ins, ensuring to get popcorn and of course his favorite chocolate bar, Chunky (with raisins and nuts). Dad was a Family man, and believed in family so strongly that he would pick up our siblings to take them on our adventures (Missy was his Favorite😊). While Dad was not with us, Dad was working on himself. He enjoyed working out, running was his favorite work out. However, Dad loved to dance. He loved to go disco dancing, and his favorite dance partner was his sister, Margie. They were unstoppable, winning multiple dance competitions at The Winepress and The Rare Cherry. They were very close, and he was very protective of his baby sister. Dad also liked to go to mixers, where he would eventually meet the love of his life, Jane. Jane had a passion for art and Dad was passionate about Jane. They met in 1986, and his life was forever changed. They married and lived a full life. She opened the world to him, and she was his world. They traveled, they built a home, created a business, and explored life and learning together. They took classes in art together, raised several kitties together, and enjoyed time spent together, always. Life forever changed for Dad in 1995 when Jane passed. His love for Jane was never ending. Dad lived out his days, after Jane’s passing, loving his family and trying to be the best version of himself that he could be. Dad was blessed with Brenna, Joshua, Brittney and Emma. Dad bestowed his love for video games and love for all things sci-fi onto his grandchildren, who he loved with his whole heart. He also loved his great grandchildren, Evelyn Rose and Michael Philip. “You can’t stop change anymore then you can stop the sun from setting.” We can hear Dad saying in his final moments: “Soon will I rest, yes, forever sleep (Rising in our Lord Jesus Christ). Earned it I have. Twilight is upon me, soon night must fall. As we said our final “I love you, Dad”, we can hear Dad say “I know!” As we read our final goodbye to our father, thinking we did a good job in summing up his life, we can hear him say “Great Job Kid! Don’t get Cocky!” “Death is a natural part of life. Rejoice for those around you who transform into the Force.” (Dad has risen in our Lord Jesus Christ) “Dad, the force will be with us always, because you have Loved Us.” Survivors include his children, James (Angel) Lyons III and Angela (Mike) Lyons; grandchildren, Joshua Lyons, Emma Lyons, Brenna LaFlamme and Brittney LaFlamme; great grandchildren, Evelyn Rose and Michael Philip; sister, Margaret Borowske and many nieces, nephews and other loving family members and friends. Preceding Jim in death are his wife, Jane Lyons and brother, John Edward Lyons. The family will receive friends from 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m., Tuesday, August 8, 2023 at the Brunner Sanden Deitrick Funeral Home and Cremation Center, 8466 Mentor Ave., Mentor, Ohio 44060. A graveside service will be held 10:00 a.m., Wednesday, August 9, 2023 at Western Reserve Memorial Gardens, 11521 Chillicothe Rd., Chesterland, Ohio 44026. Please meet at the grave. Contributions in memory of Jim may be made to Lake Humane Society, 7564 Tyler Boulevard E, Mentor, Ohio 44060. Send flowers and offer condolences at www.brunners.com

James "Jim/Jimmy" H. Lyons

February 4, 1947 - August 4, 2023