James "Jim" Francis Lyons, age 77, passed away peacefully at his home on February 13th, 2014, in Green Valley, AZ, where he'd lived since 2006 with his loving wife, Kay, of 18 years. He was surrounded by his wife and his four children. Services to celebrate his life will be held in Green Valley in mid March. Look for the announcement to follow later. There will be a private burial. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Green Valley Food Bank or to Heartland Hospice of Tucson. Please consider submitting online condolences. James Francis Lyons was born on June 29, 1936, to Frank J. and Nell C. (Ryan) Lyons, in Mitchell, South Dakota. He attended Holy Family Catholic School and graduated from Mitchell's Notre Dame Academy in 1954. He received his teaching degree from Northern State University in Aberdeen, SD, and his Master's degree from the University of South Dakota. His four children are from his first marriage to Jeanne Mackey of Mitchell. Most knew Mr. James Lyons as an elementary principal for the Sioux City Public Schools, where he worked for 30 years at Hopkins, Bancroft, Irving, and Riverview Elementary Schools. Jim met Kay (Kathleen) Shelley and they were married on St. Patrick's Day, March 17, 1996, in Sioux City, IA, where they lived until relocating to Green Valley, AZ. James Lyons loved his family. He was an Army veteran, a hunter, a fisherman, and big Yankees fan. He was a great whistler who enjoyed collecting, and loved almost everything Irish. If he met you he would remember you. James Lyons is much loved by and survived by his wife, Kay, and his four children: daughters Lisa Lyons of Scottsdale, AZ; Jayne (Danny) Gale formerly of Sioux City, IA; Susan Lyons of Denver, CO; and, son, Tim Lyons of Morongo Valley, CA; his granddaughters: Elizabeth (Chad) Blatchford of Sioux City, IA; Melissa Gale of Sioux City, IA; and Sophie Jacobs of Scottsdale, AZ. He is also survived by his oldest sister Patricia Lyons of Anaheim, CA and younger brother Joseph (PJ) Lyons of Fullerton, CA; and MANY loving and caring friends. May the road rise up to meet you. May the wind be always at your back. May the sun shine softly on your face. .And may the good Lord hold you In the palm of His hand.