JAMES EDWIN “Jim” LYONS, JR.
James Edwin “Jim” Lyons, Jr. was born November 2, 1942 in Camden County, New Jersey and departed this life on May 16, 2025 at Research Medical Center in Kansas City, Missouri, surrounded by the love of his family, at the age of 82 years, 6 months and 14 days.
He was the son of James Edwin Lyons, Sr. and Dorothy Elizabeth (Jenkins) Lyons.
Jim went to school in Gibbstown and Paulsboro, New Jersey. He graduated from Paulsboro High school in 1962. After high school graduation he went to Peru State College in Peru, Nebraska where he graduated in 1966 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Education. He then attended the University of Missouri at Columbia where he received his Master of Education degree.
While in Peru he met the love of his life, Nancy Eileen Larson, whom he married December 28, 1967. They began their teaching careers in Kansas City, Missouri. Jim started in Center School District where he taught for 31 years before his retirement. Jim was blessed to have met and known many fine students and teachers during his teaching career. Over the years, many have become friends.
Jim’s favorite place to be was outdoors. His favorite activities were boating, water skiing, fishing and especially hunting. He loved to take his children, grandchildren and friends with him on these trips.
Jim’s lifetime dream was to own and operate a dog training kennel which was accomplished when he opened Lyons Den Kennel in 1971 and which his son, James E. “Jimmy” Lyons, III, now operates.
Jim was a member of and attended the Strasburg Union Church in Strasburg, Missouri.
Jim was preceded in death by his parents, James Edwin, Sr. and Dorothy E. (Jenkins) Lyons; sisters, Carolyn Anne (Lyons) Berenato and Dorothy Evon (Lyons) Hurley; nephew, Rodney Alan Hurley and his son-in-law, Brian Keith Barnum.
He is survived by his loving wife, Nancy E. (Larson) Lyons of the home; son, James E. “Jimmy” Lyons, III and wife Jennifer of Kingsville, Missouri; daughters, Megan (Lyons) Riley and husband Ryan of Kingsville, Missouri and, Laura Barnum of Missouri; seven grandchildren, Garrett Lyons, Gannon Lyons, Everlee Lyons, Rowan Riley, Aidan Riley, Ethan Riley and Phoebe McAllister; several nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great nephews, other relatives and many, many friends.
The family of Jim Lyons will receive friends Wednesday, May 21, 2025 from 6:00 – 8:00 P.M. at the Wallace Funeral Home in Pleasant Hill, Missouri. A celebration of Life Service will be held at 10:00 A.M. Thursday, May 22, 2025 at the funeral home, with Brian Rex officiating. Burial will follow in the Strasburg Cemetery, Strasburg, Missouri. Casket Bearers will be Don Bearce, Grant Bearce, Tim Ervin, Kenny Fidler, Adam Kassel, Steve Leslie and Larry Rosanbalm. The family suggest contributions to the Strasburg Cemetery.
12 Messages
I knew most of my life growing up in Gibbstown, he was always a fun guy. Even when he came to NJ he made a point to stop and see me. My condolences to the family.
Sincere sympathy to all Jim’s family and friends. I met Jim and Nancy in Ireland many years ago and have remained friends ever since. All my thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Betty and family
I am very sorry for your loss. Prayers for you all during this time.
Sorry for your loss. Jim was one of a kind. We will miss his humor and his advice.
My condolences and prayers to the family.
I went to school with Jimmy thru grammar and High School. He was a great guy. I will miss his annual Christmas card and letter about his family and what everyone was doing. Truly a remarkable man.
Mr. Lyons was among the few teachers that affected me for the rest of my life. I can still hear his whistle through his teeth alone without any instrument or hands. I remember being in the “mile club” and working hard mile after mile to impress him. Along with completing the peg board, climbing the rope, and skinning the cat on the rings.
The world lost a good one. Think I’m gonna have to take a trip to pay my respects.
My prayers are with you, Nancy and family. Jim, you will be missed and my memories of you and your family will always be cherished!
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