James Thomas Lyons

Shortly after his birth, Jim's family relocated to Manhattan and later to Fresh Meadows in Queens, New York, where he lived for 12 formative years. During that time, he developed lifelong friendships that remained dear to him. He attended Holy Family School through eighth grade and spent two years at Holy Cross High School. At age 16, his family moved to Springfield, Virginia, where he completed high school at Lee High School.

After one year at East Carolina University, Jim was drafted into the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War. He served honorably as a radio operator in the 11th Armored Cavalry Division and spent a year on the ground in Vietnam in 1966-1967, receiving several medals. His service deeply impacted him, including the loss of his close friend “Curly” and others who were seriously injured.

Following his military service, Jim married his high school sweetheart, Kay Mossman. Although the marriage ended, the chapter marked the beginning of his civilian career. He joined the Library of Congress as a Copyright Examiner, where he worked until his retirement, receiving several awards for his contributions.

In 1976, Jim and his brother Bob pursued an entrepreneurial venture, opening a tropical plant shop in Springfield, Virginia called Everything Nice. Though the business was short-lived, the experience was cherished—not all successes are measured in dollars.

A lifelong chess enthusiast, Jim began playing as a teenager. Lacking opponents, he taught his younger brother Bob to play, offering a $20 reward for a win—Bob never collected. Jim later became a chess instructor, earning victories over several champions, including one grandmaster.

In his mid-sixties, Jim found a spiritual home at The Journey Church, where he remained active and deeply connected to his faith community. He regularly participated in Bible study and was cherished by his fellow congregants. He stayed active in several of The Journey’s “life groups” until his final days. Leaders in those groups were always impressed with his knowledge of the Bible, along with his incisive comments and questions.

Jim is survived by his sister, Ellen Lyons Eddy of Norwich, Connecticut, and his brother, Robert Donlan Lyons, of Washington, DC. Just before falling ill in September 2024, the three siblings traveled to Norwich, Vermont, to revisit their childhood summer memories at their aunt and uncle’s farm—a place filled with family joy and nostalgia. They fondly recalled the magic of those summers, including a visit to the beloved Dan & Whit’s General Store.

Though Jim’s longtime home was in Springfield, Virginia, he spent his final months at Vitality Assisted Living in Arlington, where, true to form, he made meaningful friendships that enriched his final chapter.

Jim will be remembered for his wit, his warmth, his deep loyalty to those he loved, and his lifelong curiosity. He will be missed dearly by his family, friends, and all who had the privilege to know him.

A memorial service to celebrate Jim’s life will be held at the Journey Church, 6427 Franconia Road, Springfield, VA 22150, on Friday, June 20th at 1:00 PM.