James W. Lyons Sr.

James W. Lyons Sr., age 78, passed away peacefully on January 3, 2025, at home surrounded by his loving family. He was the beloved husband, best friend, and traveling companion of Kathleen (Homenick) Lyons, to whom he was happily married for 55 years.

Born in Providence, he was a son of the late George Lyons Sr. and Celeste (Pothier) Lyons.

Jim began his educational journey at Saint Peter's School in Greenville. His early aptitude for electronics became evident as he became a licensed ham radio operator and taught himself Morse code at the age of 14. He later excelled in his studies at Davies Vocational and Technical School. Following his passion, he went on to earn a Bachelor of Science degree from Roger Williams University, followed by an MBA from Providence College. Among his accomplishments, he held an Amateur ham radio operator license, drone pilot license, and was a talented piano player, genealogy guru, and master campfire starter.

As a teenager, he began his career at BIF in Providence, worked for Buck and Company in Franklin Massachusetts and later founded Tele Engineering; leading the company for many years until he accepted a management role at GTECH, where he remained until his retirement.

An avid cross-country traveler and Grand Canyon hiker, he cherished every adventure with his beloved wife, having completed many hikes, including rim-to-rim. They discovered their own little piece of heaven at the bottom of the Canyon, along the Colorado River, that he named “Lyons Beach”. He created a personal hiking webpage that became a useful planning tool for many people. He loved to tell the story of being recognized by fellow hikers while descending into the Canyon; it was a proud moment. He thoroughly enjoyed the feeling of exhaustion that came from completing a long hike with Kathy and ending with a Navajo taco at Cameron Trading Post. Jim also cherished the many years he and Kathy spent at their condo in New Hampshire and summers spent at Orrs Campground in Arnolds Park, Iowa. He loved attending his grandkids sporting events for Okoboji High School, boating to the amusement park and Barefoot Bar, having coffee at Arnolds Perk prior to morning walks on Pillsbury Point, and loved a good Bob dog.

His love for travel extended to his family, leading them on countless camping trips throughout New England, Nova Scotia, and the Canadian Maritimes. These journeys became the backdrop of cherished memories, bonding moments, and shared laughter.

Camping trips with his entire family, including his great-grandchildren, were among his most treasured experiences. His family gathered for what would be his final camping trip this past June at George Washington Campground in Glocester. It was a full circle moment as his camping adventures ended in the place where it all began many years ago, with his wife and 3 children.

Profoundly proud of the family legacy he built with his wife, Jim took immense pride in the accomplishments and love that radiated from his children, grandchildren, and 7 great-grandchildren. His life's work was reflected in the strength and unity of his family.

Jim leaves behind a legacy of love, adventure, music, and cringe worthy Dad jokes. He will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him, but his memory and beautiful sounds of his daily piano playing will forever live on in the hearts and minds of those he held dear.

He was the devoted father of Patricia Zalabowski (Richard Zalabowski Jr.), James W. Lyons Jr., and Merideth Abrahamson; cherished grandfather of Richard Zalabowski III, Raymond Zalabowski (Lucero), Amanda Lyons (Jonny Lamendola) Ekaterina Zalabowski (Jack Conner), and the late Rachel Zalabowski and Nicole Zalabowski; loving great-grandfather of Joshua Zalabowski, Richard Zalabowski IV, Amora Zalabowski, Carver Zalabowski, Raymond Zalabowski Jr., Emmett Conner, and Lily James Lamendola; much loved brother of George Lyons, Paul Lyons (Paula), Robert Lyons (Lorna), Ann Ferraro (George), Mary Desorcy, and the late William Lyons and Joan Lyons; Beloved son-in-law of the late Walter J. Homenick and Sarah McElroy. Much loved brother- in- law of Walter Homenick (Marilyn), Eileen Santucci (Richard), Sally Bradford (James), and the late Alexander Homenick (Wanda); and adored uncle of many nieces and nephews.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend a Mass of Christian Burial Thursday, January 16, 2025, at 10:00 am at St. Thomas Church, 65 Fruit Hill Ave, Providence. Burial will be private.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in his memory may be made to Refocus, https://www.refocusinc.org/