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
Jim, I can’t believe you’re gone. Always thought that at some point we’d have one more hunt together, one more Facebook post or one moredog story. Rest in peace my friend.
Oh my gosh the lives Jim touched encouraged and changed over the many years at Boone elementary! He was my PE teacher for 6 years there. Later in life he friended me on FB where he caught up with my siblings and Mothers lives . My Mom also worked for the district. May God continue to bless and hold Jim in his light and may he rest in peace.
Jim, thank you for all you did for the many kids in the Center School District. I will always remember working with you at Boone Elementary. My thoughts and prayers are with your family.
I will miss you terribly, Uncle Jim. Love you.
Love you Aunt Nancy. God bless you all.
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