James "Jim" Lyons

BMCM E9 James “Jim” Lyons, Vietnam Veteran

James Lyons, age 76, of the Beulah Heights community passed away from this life on Thursday, April 21, 2022 at 7:50am at the Somerset Nursing and Rehab Center.

He was born on April 6 of 1946 in Pulaski County Kentucky to the late James Lyons and Thelma Marie Bolin Lyons.  In addition to his parents Jim is preceded in death by his wife Phyllis Ann Brooks Lyons which he married September 5, 1964; brothers Danny Gene Lyons, Wayne Lyons; brothers-in-law Earl Edward Brooks and Pat Curry.

Surviving family includes his daughter Sheila Trock and husband Shawn of Knoxville Tennessee; brothers Bryce “Cotton” Lyons and wife Joan of the Beulah Heights Community, Kenny Ray Lyons and wife Linda Marshes Siding; a sister Debbie Gibson of the Beulah Heights Community; a brother-in-law Chester Ed Brooks of the Beulah Heights Community; sisters-in-law Kim Brooks also of the Beulah Heights Community and Brenda Curry of Jacksonville, Florida; an uncle Oscar “Bud” Bolin of Marshes Siding; nieces, Savannah “Winn” Kidd, Charlotte Lyons, Rendy Toy, Tammy Phillips, Kim Chislett, Carolyn Phillips, Kristee Sumner, Jennifer Stork, and Jodi Sedivi which was born the day Jim & Phyllis married. They said she was a wedding gift from Ed & Jean Brooks.  Nephews, Frank Brooks, Jack Brooks, Jamie Lyons, Jeff Lyons, and Jason Lyons; multiple great nieces, nephews & great-great nieces and nephews; as well as a grand fur baby Abby and his dog & best friend, Lucky.

Special people in Jim’s life - Ricky Stephens, Nick Sedivi, Gordon & Mary Douglas and Juanita Galinger.

Jim entered the United States Navy in 1963 with a career that spanned 27 years during which time he did three tours in Vietnam. He was offered a job to drive the Presidential Yacht which he ultimately declined due to family security concerns.  In Jacksonville he was stationed as the driver for the Admiral; taught mine warfare and inspected minesweepers all over the world. He was also a key player in the redesign of minesweepers and updated training manuals which, in many cases, are still used today.

Jim was a Mentor, a Friend, a Brother, an Uncle, and Father but most of all he was one of Americas Unsung Heroes. He was loved and respected by many who met him but, when asked, he would say ‘I’m nothing fancy I’m just treating people the way I would want to be treated.’

Anyone who knew Jim knew his purpose in life was his daughter Sheila. He enjoyed spending time with his family and friends, his companion Lucky, gardening, fishing, working on cars, helping people and hanging out at the family ‘garage’.

Jim and his tan 1984 Nissan pickup truck were known throughout the community as the insurance man, the gas man, Uncle Jim or Dad to many.

Funeral service will be held on Saturday, April 30, 2022 at 1:00 pm in the chapel of Pine Knot Funeral Home. Burial to follow in the Higginbotham Cemetery with Military Honors Provided. The family will receive friends for visitation on Friday, April 29, 2022 from 6:00 pm until 9:00 pm at the funeral home.

Pine Knot Funeral Home is assisting the family with funeral arrangements.