James Patrick Lyons

James Patrick Lyons, of Chestnut Hill , Pennsylvania, passed away unexpectedly on November 16, 2024 at the age of 64.

He was the best friend, partner, life love and beloved husband of Ruthanne for over 20 years; devoted father of Kelan (Brittany), loving stepfather of Savannah, and cherished brother of Mary Teresa, Timothy and Joseph.

He was predeceased by his father Joseph, mother Patricia, and brothers Michael and Paul.

Jimmy was born December 30, 1959 in Philadelphia. He was the third child of six. His sister and brothers lovingly remember him as a bright, mischievous and comical brother with whom pranks and neighborhood adventures in Hatboro were a known regularity. He was affectionately known in their family as the "hellion."

He graduated from Hatboro-Horsham High School in 1977 and earned a bachelor degree from Arcadia University in 1984. He then paid his way through law school by working at Acme, ultimately graduating from Delaware Law School in 1988.

After interning at the Philadelphia District Attorneys' office in law school, he accepted an offer to join the office under The Honorable Ronald Castille where he became a stellar trial attorney and made lifelong friends. He then partnered with The Honorable Jeffrey Minehart and The Honorable Kenneth Powell in private practice after which he started his own private practice in criminal defense litigation. In 2021, he accepted a job as the Chief of Homicide in the Montgomery County Public Defenders Office. Jimmy recently returned to his own private practice.

A passionate defender of the rights of the downtrodden and disadvantaged, Jimmy dedicated his life to a career in criminal litigation . He sought justice for people who otherwise would have been cast aside and lost to the justice system, believing they were more than their bad act.

Jimmy's passion wasn't just reserved for the courtroom. It was evident in his love for his wife, Ruthanne, son Kelan and stepdaughter Savannah as well as his siblings, relatives and friends.

Not to mention his passion for the Philadelphia Eagles- another love of his. He devoured the NFL draft articles, and discussed The Birds tirelessly with other fans. Believing each season that this was the year. The 2018 Super-Bowl win brought him such joy , rewatching the game in years to follow as if it was the first.

He and Ruthanne loved to travel and took many trips to Ocean City, NJ, the city, and Malibu,CA. They thoroughly enjoyed their life together whether on a grand vacation, a day trip, staycation or an evening alone laughing together. They truly adored one another.

His son will always remember the cross-country trips they took together when Kelan moved to Texas and Utah. Kelan had to do most of the driving because his dad was not a great driver - Jimmy got an expensive ticket for speeding somewhere in Virginia, and that was the end of his driving Kelan's car - but the opportunity to see that much of the country through each other's eyes was a true gift.

His stepdaughter, Savannah will always remember Jimmy's joy and excitement in becoming her stepfather and family. Together, they enjoyed countless adventures, shared humor and intellect.

Jimmy's legacy will live on in all of us who remember, with more than a smile, his twinkling, daring, bright blue eyes and contagious and conspiratorial laughter. His optimism at the worst of times and ability to make us laugh at him and ourselves will not be forgotten. Just the thought of Jimmy, his antics, his humor and his brilliant, inquisitive mind will lighten this devastating loss. Whether in the retelling of stories about Jimmy, or sitting quietly at the beach listening to the waves as he loved to do, Jimmy lives on in all of us. He will be deeply missed, but always treasured.

Relatives and friends are invited to services at Our Mother of Consolation Catholic Church in Chestnut Hill, PA. A visitation will be held on Friday 12/6 from 9:15am-10:45am followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11am.

Donations may be made in Jimmy's name to a GoFund Me Page ( https://gofund.me/c657fbb2) for his wife, Ruthanne to cover medical, funeral and death related expenses.