James “Jim” Joseph Lyons, 83, passed away on April 26, 2026 after a short illness. The third child of Francis Lyons and Gladys Lyons (née Packer), Jim was born on May 25, 1942 in Springfield, Missouri. After losing his father at the age of 3, Jim was raised by his devoted mother. He learned early the values of perseverance and responsibility.

He attended St. Agnes Catholic School from kindergarten through 12th grade. During his senior year, Jim was elected class president. Some of Jim’s happiest childhood memories were made on the family farm with his uncles, Hugh and Glen Packer, near what is now known as Packer Road. Spending countless summers and weekends on the Packer farm, he learned to hunt, farm, camp and appreciate the joys of hard work and time spent with family. These experiences sparked a lifelong love of the outdoors that he would later pass on to others.

Jim attended Southwest Missouri State University, now known as Missouri State University, joining R.O.T.C. and the Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity while earning a bachelor’s degree in mathematics and a minor in physics. Soon after, he married the girl next door, Carolyn Sanford. Jim then continued his education at the Rolla School of Mines, now known as Missouri University of Science and Technology, where he earned a second bachelor’s degree in civil engineering.

After completing his education, he enlisted in the United States Army. From 1967 to 1968, he served in Vietnam with the Army Corps of Engineers, where he designed bridges in the Saigon area.

Upon his return home, Jim worked for the United States Forest Service before accepting a position at W.R. Vermillion Co., Inc. as Plant Engineer, where he spent the next 53 years.

Jim and Carolyn raised two sons, Matthew and Aaron. For both boys, he served as the Scoutmaster at Troop 1 for 18 years, mentoring many young men. When his grandson Briggs was born, they would camp in the backyard, build zip lines and campfires. Later, Jim attended nearly every Boy Scout campout with Briggs, mentoring another generation.

Jim is survived by his wife Carolyn Lyons, with whom he recently celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary, his sons Matthew Lyons and Aaron Lyons (Amy), his grandson Briggs and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

A visitation will be held at Gorman-Scharpf in Springfield from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday, May 12. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the local Ozark Trails Council, Scouting America at 1616 S. Eastgate Avenue, Springfield, Missouri 65809