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James Llewellyn Lyons

James Lyons Obituary

LYONS, James Llewellyn
Passed away in this city on December 7, 2005. He was born on March 19, 1934 in Healdsburg, CA. He served in Korea, in the U.S. Army. A former Lieutenant of Detectives in the Sacramento Police Department. Joined the police force in 1957. Injured in the line of duty while a patrolman. Quickly moved through the ranks, eventually promoted to Lieutenant. Retired on disability in 1968. Subsequently was a criminal justice instructor for the Sacramento City Unified School District, first at the Fremont School for Adults and then the Sacramento Skills Center. In 1982, he co-founded Lyons Security Services. He retired and sold his interest in the company in 1990. In his retirement years, he and his wife, Maggie, devoted their time to family and their many grandchildren. Preceded in death by his parents, James Llewellyn Lyons and Bessie Rawles Lyons. He is survived by his wife, Maggie Cavanaugh Lyons; sons, James Llewellyn Lyons, Joseph ONeil Lyons, and John Matthew Lyons; daughters, Cora Lyons Isbell, Margaret Florence Lyons, and Jacqueline Lyons Jang; grandchildren, Courtney Marie Isbell, Brandon James Pena, Molly Rose Isbell, Colin Joseph Lyons, Maureen Llewellyn Isbell, Patrick Martin Lyons, Michael Joseph Lyons, Connor Evan Jang, Madeline Margaret Jang, James Llewellyn Lyons, Aidan John Jang, Sophia Allison Lyons, Kian James Jang, and William Cavanaugh Lyons; and his, sister Maureen Lyons Agness. Friends are invited for visitation Monday Dec. 12, 2005 from 5:00 to 6:00 pm and to attend a Rosary at 6:00 pm at NICOLETTI, CULJIS & HERBERGER Funeral Home 5401 Folsom Blvd. 451-7284 and are invited to a Mass of Christian Burial, Tues. Dec. 13, 2005 at 11:00 am at St. Rose Parish 5961 Franklin Blvd. Interment at Odd Fellows Cemetery. Remembrances may be made to the continued philanthropic work of Monsignor Edward J. Kavanagh.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Sacramento Bee from Dec. 10 to Dec. 13, 2005.

Memories and Condolences
for James Lyons

17 Entries

Dad , Connor, Maddie and Aidan in Ireland standing under thatched roof of his favorite John Wayne movie, "Quiet Man" location. So happy !

Jackie Lyons Jang

January 7, 2006

What to write, what to say? Words can not do justice nor truely articulate what and how this daughter feels about her father named James Llewellyn Lyons. My heart aches for the loss. I yearn to hear his voice "just one more time,calling out for a quick cup of coffee." I know in my heart that his family loves him with all our hearts and that I can only aspire to have the love surrounding me as he had around him. His wife, Maggie showing her kids how to hold our heads up high and showing her kids to be proud and hold close to our hearts the dear memories. My Mom continues to be an inspiration and example of strength and courage for her 6 children and 14 grandchildren. My Dad has given us so much and for that I will always be grateful. I was so lucky to be a part of Dad's trip to Ireland in 2001. To be able to share the moments as he learned about his beloved relatives and to be able to experience those memories with my husband and 3 of 4 children (youngest Kian was not yet born.) My Dad is and was a huge presence in our lives. With dignity and grace we will carry on and forever think of Dad. I'm proud to be his daughter! My Mom and Dad have taught me great lessons about how to be a good loving parent. My four children: Connor(10), Maddie(7), Aidan(5) and Kian(3) will always benefit from their wisdom. I love you Dad and thank you for everything always!
Love,
you
r loving daughter Jackie

Madeline (Maddie) Jang

January 7, 2006

Papa is my Grandpa. I am 7. I always liked how Papa would let us change his channel to cartoons even if he was watching a show. He was silly and sang funny rhyming songs to us. He always made us kids feel so special and liked to hear our funny kid storie. I will miss him and know I will tell my kids and friends that he was so special always. He knows alot of people and I know that people liked him. I will always love Papa. I wear my Papa necklace with his picture on it and look at it alot. I do now have an angel in my pocket, just like my teacher Ms. Gillman told me. I love you Papa! Love, your Maddie

Connor Jang

January 7, 2006

Papa has been my grandfather for ten
years (I am ten). Every time I walked through the door of their house he always asked if that I wanted to watch catoons, the military channel, or the histery channel. In Ireland, we planted a family tree at Tullaboy together. Papa loved taking "spins" (long drives) with Cousin Leslie. Papa always told great stories and asked about my day. Papa was a loving, gentle, caring and kind man. Papa always loved gammy and cared about everyone around him.
Love Connor, your forever loving grandson.

Leslie Lyons

January 4, 2006

It was at Easter 2000 that I met James Lyons for the first time. A visit to San Francisco for my brother-in-law’s wedding allowed this meeting to take place. We had been in touch by e-mail for some time as we were both working on the Lyons family tree. Our grandfathers were brothers and I was delighted to have the opportunity to meet my 2nd cousin for the very first time. We were all impressed by his warm chirpy personality and I soon discovered his great talent for getting things done when I saw the number of family members who turned up for that memorable re-union.

As we talked sharing many facts and information relating to the family it became clear that a visit to Ireland was going to be made. How good it was to welcome Jim and Maggie and the other family members to Tullaboy in July 2001. I know that it was for him a wonderful experience to look at the church register and to visit the many places associated with his grandparents.All was captured on hundreds of photographs carefully saved on computer disks. Another Irish trip was wished for but, sadly, that was not to be.

It is a great solace to me that I visited 1461 51st Street at the end of November to find my dear cousin so obviously ill but in good spirits and, as ever, looking on the bright side of life.

All here at Tullaboy will miss Jim and, as I wear the felt hat which he gave me, I will always remember him regretting only that he has been taken from us in his 72nd year and that I had not had the privilege of knowing him for much longer.

The condolences of all at Tullaboy go to Maggie, Jimmy, Margaret, Joe, John, Jackie, Corie and the extended family who loved him so much.

Leslie Lyons

Tim Rooney

December 30, 2005

I was very saddened to hear about the passing of Mr. Lyons. He was truly a remarkable man. Mr. Lyons was always very loving and generous to me. After college, he got me my first security job. I so loved listening to his police stories of the "good old days." He told me stories that both made my laugh hysterically, or touched my heart. That was when I learned that under that tough exterior, he was a teddy bear who had a soft spot for the underdog. He taught me that compassion was more important than any of the items that I would stuff on my gun belt, and if you were decent to folks, then usually you would not have to use any of them. "Better to talk them into the back seat of your unit, than to fight them." Mr. Lyons' insight, information, and common sense helped me through the police testing process. He supplied me with some of the answers for the questions I was likely to be asked in my interviews. I actually used some of them, and secretly chuckled to myself when I thought about some of the others that he suggested.

I felt Mr. Lyons' true fondness for me and he always made me very comfortable in your home.

I am not so certain I was the same to my daughter's boyfriends, not that I really cared. :)

Der Wienerschnitzel will always have a special place in my heart and stomach. I loved those trips and watching the sales girl as Mr. Lyons ordered about 20 different dogs.

I also loved, and will always remember his backyard BBQ's. He taught me many things about BBQ'ing along with some choice "phrases."

His wonderful wit and humor were matched by his kindness and the love that he had for his family. Each of you kids are so wonderful, successful, and close-nit as a result of being surrounded by such influences by both Mr. Lyons, and you, Mrs. Lyons! Humor has helped you all through your ups and downs, and I am sure that your lives and get-togethers will be filled with the many stories of your dad. My dad passed away two years ago, but when I am back with family, we always end up saying, "Do you remember when Dad...," followed by some wonderful antidote or memory. With Mr. Lyons, there will be no shortage of great stories!!!

You are all in my heart during this difficult time. Although saddened by his passing, I will only smile when I remember him; his life, his words of wisdom, his family, his legacy and the times we shared. I hope you all do the same!

'May Mr. Lyons be in heaven 30 minutes before the Devil knows he's dead.'

Sláinte! Cheers to you, sir !

Love to you all,

Timothy Pipeshanks...:)

Joan Sullivan

December 26, 2005

It was instant bonding when I met Maggie and Jim in 2000. I had gone to Oughterard, Galway, looking for some descendant of my Sullivan/Lyons ancestors. Small town as it is, within hours of leaving without finding anyone, Iris Lyons Joyce found me. I learned that her brother Leslie was visiting in Sacramento where other Lyons lived, that she and he descended from James Lyons, Ester Lyons's brother. Ester was my greatgreat grandmother! Iris had a homespun family tree with a blank space below Ester and Thomas's names. What joy and excitement. Dusk as it was , we got in her car and went to Bunnakil and Tullaboy for a quick look at Ester and James's childhood home.Like magic, we were one family! By the time I reached home, a long, dear, warm message from Jim, welcoming me and my siblings to the Lyons clan, awaited me! Then the first meeting with Maggie and Jim - you'd think we'd known one another from childhood! Within months, Jim and Leslie constructed a document with all the descendants of our common ancestors on it, beginning with a Coat-of Arms, and mailed a copy to me. What a family line with strong ties! Little wonder that his wife and children loved him so. My one desire is that there will be a gathering of the next generation to meet one another and further strengthen family ties. I am praying to Jim for that. I join you all, family and friends, in prayers of Thanksgiving for Jim's life and the family he has left for the happiness and betterment of the world. Joan

Ana Helman

December 19, 2005

What a wonderful man and human being he was - It is not often that you can say that the world was a better place for having someone, but with Jim that was absolutely true. I was blessed to have known him!

He was so full of love for all of you, his children, Maggie, and most especially his grandchildren! You could tell how much their smiles meant to him.

With my very deepest sympathies and love,

Joseph Lyons

December 16, 2005

Eulogy of James L. Lyons

Delivered by Joseph O. Lyons

He was ours—and we loved him more than words can say.

Today we honor a man who was a father—a grandfather—a husband—a friend—and who genuinely cared about people—even those he didn’t know or had just met.

His loyalty to his family—and his concern for others—inspires us still.

He was a good man and a great father.

I always knew I was lucky to have him as my Dad. Proud that he was my Dad.

Each of you has your own memories of him.

He had a warm, engaging personality and a genial temperament.

He was fun to be around. Whenever Dad entered the room you knew things were going to get more interesting—that that was the place to be.

He had a great sense of humor.

Irreverent but not cynical. Never cynical.

He was actually pretty old-fashioned—and very patriotic.

My Mom and brothers and sisters and I remember every Olympics Dad would say during opening ceremonies: “You know, America never dips its flag.” He was really proud of that.

Every Olympics.

I’m not sure the precise reason or reasons why he was so patriotic—and there’s no one reason—but you can bet that World War II had a lot to do with it. It was one of the defining events of his generation. Four of his uncles served in combat—and his Aunt Marguerite’s husband, Russ, was a decorated pilot.

In 2001, my Dad wrote an oral history about his grandparents—James and Margaret Lyons—who came here from Ireland in 1904—and wrote:

“All of a sudden every aspect of our lives changed. We could no longer go on our weekly weekend drive through the countryside because there was gas rationing…Meat, milk, butter, sugar, coffee, chocolate and numerous other food items were all rationed…At school and at home we had to practice air raid procedures…My Dad had the duty to get to the police station where he manned a 30 caliber machine gun, along with a 50 caliber machine gun…on the roof of the police station [his father—my grandfather—was a Sacramento city policeman]. When I think back to that time, I don’t recall being afraid even when there were air raids. I think the reason why we didn’t panic was because our grandparents, parents, relatives and members of the community didn’t panic. It was our job to take these precautions for the good of all. I don’t even remember people complaining about gas rationing, food rationing or having to do without for the war effort. We thought we had to do our part and were proud of it.

…People collected rubber tires, glass, aluminum, coffee cans, as well as pots and pans for metal…I belonged to the Junior Commandos which collected all of the items collected above and took them to our collection point which was McClatchy Park in Oak park every Saturday. You started out as a Private and you received promotions which were dependent upon how much you collected. You received cloth replicas of the Army rank emblems. I made it all the way to Colonel.

The other defining event of his generation—the Great Depression—also molded his character.

You might ask: Where did he get such a capacity for empathy? His compassion?—his identification with the underdog?

The same place—his family, his immigrant grandparents.

Again, in his own words:

“During the Depression my grandfather and grandfather shared heir food—which they grew—with their neighbors or anyone who they heard could use food. Momo used to bake 20 to 30 loaves of bread. Both Momo and Papa did not want to embarrass the recipients of the food so they had the kids deliver the boxes after dark and knock on the door and leave quickly before the door opened.”

How many times did we hear Dad talk about Papa and Momo on “Y” Street, making food deliveries to their neighbors?

But while he was soft-hearted he was also tough.

You talk to his colleagues on the Police Department and—to a person—they all say he was tough as nails when the situation required it, and this even after he sustained serious injuries in a car accident.

Which brings me to his service on the Sacramento Police Department.

• In 1957, he followed in the footsteps of his father and uncle and became a Sacramento city policeman.

• As a “rookie” patrolman, he was seriously injured in the line of duty when a drunk driver collided into his patrol car, at the corner of 35th and “J.”

• The doctors managed save his leg, and did. He wore a back and leg brace and continued on the Police force for 10 more years.

• He quickly moved up the ranks…promoted to Sergeant in1962 and Lieutenant the following year, retiring in 1968, due to the injuries he sustained in the accident.

• I had a conversation the other night with Al Ricci, an old friend of my Dad’s, and he was reminiscing about the old days, and my Dad’s work ethic and how much he enjoyed being a policeman. “He loved it, and even worked after he was injured, which most guys don’t do.” But that was my Dad.

He was tough.

I guess my brother and I—John—had a few run-ins.

Growing up, Mom did all the day-to-day disciplining and Dad only came in for the big stuff.

You knew you were in trouble when he started heading you way.

The best example would have to be the summer before John and I started high school—at Dad’s alma mater, McClatchy High School.

It was typical 14-year old hi-jinx.

Along with three or four others we tee-peed a couple houses.

And we were trying to wake up one of our friends by sticking a branch through the window. Well, the police were called and the next thing you know we’re sent home in squad cars.

So we get home. And of course my parents are furious, my Dad especially. Again, when you’re dealing with him on a disciplinary matter you know you’re in trouble.

Well…because of that one night…we were grounded for the entire summer. And I mean the entire summer. It happened just after school got out—all the way to September.

Two other side notes:

1) I don’t think I’ve ever seen my sisters Corie,Margaret and Jackie happier than when John and I got home that with the police with us

2) The house where we put the branch through the window—Robert Farmers’ parents house—was the Mundt’s house in the 1950’s (Judge Mundt), where my parents were first reacquainted after my Dad got back from Korea.

My Dad was also the least pretentious person I’ve ever known.

And he was always approachable and down-to-earth.

Well, maybe not always approachable—if he was trying to fix something or find tools.

He had an Irish temper—and sometimes could be impatient…and use profanity…but he was never petty or mean.

He has no use for phony or cheap people.

Those people he could not understand.

But he never dwelled on those kind of things. It kind of rolled right off him. He liked to focus on the positive aspects of life.

He somehow always found time to think of his family, or those who needed his help.

He always spoke with pride of his family, his children and grandchildren.

Dad loved Mom, and she was his greatest joy and his greatest comfort.

He loved his children and his grandchildren.

And as outgoing as he was—and as much as he liked people—he preferred a quiet family life—especially in the last 15 or so years—undisturbed visits with Mom, my brothers and sisters, the grandkids.

Family vacations—Santa Barbara.

And he loved to read. History, westerns.

He had an on optimistic outlook on life. This was true even after he was found out from his doctors this October that his time was limited. He never complained.

He knew then he might not see another birthday, but this was not a man who welcomed or needed sympathy.

His quiet stoicism and optimistic attitude was present throughout his illness.

Didn’t dwell on it. One conversation in hospital..

His last trip out , just 6 days before he died, was to go to Longs on his scooter. Find my scooter key, he said. Not beleieving him, I…But the next day, he asked again, and this time wouldn’t be put off. I’m going out tomorrow.w And so he did, on Thanksgiving, to Longs. Mom and Dad still doni’t know it’s not hip to buy the granskids presents there!

He is gone from us now—and this afternoon we shall take him home…(heaven with his parents, gransparents, uncles and aunts).

He was the best father a son could ever ask for.

He asked us to live up to (our potential)

He asked us to be worthy of our heritage.

He asked us to be true to ourselves.

But he never asked more than he was wiling to give.

We love you Dad, and always will.

John Lyons

December 16, 2005

Dad.

Like so many people you get to know in your life...I could finish my dad's
sentences...like Joe, Jackie, Margaret, Jim Corie, Michael, Patrick, Mindy,
My Mom....even in the next generation...nieces and nephews...Uncles and
cousins...after a while you can just tell what the next word is and/how and
what punch line fits in or can be added...

That is what makes a warm family...a fun family and a strong family.

With only three TV channels that's the way we where...in our little family
and with 500 channels...video games and the internet and all the cables we
all seemed to know what words to fill in...where to sit...how to act...and
always what and who would...________.

My dad and I fixed things...that what we did...We went to Thrifty's and
tested the TV tubes...put the water heater on... and changed the circuit
backers...often with the wrong tools and what seemed like too many trips to
Kragan's auto parts...but always with a purpose and we never gave up...my
favorite the egg in the radiator and yes for your nieces and nephews I said
radiator...not radio...not sirus...not googleradiator.

My dad grew up among men...that served and protected us all! ALWAYS!

I enjoyed him most for his warmth, laughs and sense of humor! I loved him
most because he is and will always be my dad...I am proud of him most for
what he did for us all! - Protected us, Served us, Laughed with us...Cried
with us...Was a friend to us!

He looked in in the eye and Meant it when he said - "Hi - How are you?"...

He loved his roots and those who were Irish where always a friend of his...I
won't say goodbye today and nor should you...He is part of your life and
always will be...He is in me, and my children as is Momo, Pops, Leslie,
Uncle Buddy, Mike, John, Melvin and many who past before us...

It is not goodbye but thanks and I will see you again soon - and in his
words..."back in Ireland".

My dad protected me, taught me and made me laugh and made me ask... where is
the ______ is the hammer?

He accomplished a lot but notably friendships with all of you.

I will love you always dad!

Your son.

John Mathew Lyons
Son of James Llewellyn Lyons

MAGGIE Lyons

December 15, 2005

There are "feelers" and there are "detail oriented" people: so, for days I have been looking for my entry here thanking the doctors who became Jimmy's mentors and friends and protectors. They are a part of his life story as much as any major felony arrest or student of whom JIM BECAME PROUD OR ALL THE KIDS WHO PLAYED WITH OUR OWN KIDS AND EVEN OUR SIX AND THEIR FOURTEEN.

I FORGOT TO PRESS THE "SUBMIT," BUTTON BECAUSE THE MEMORIES AND VICTORIES AND CARING REGARDING THESE SEVEN MEN WHO EACH HAD A PLACE IN JAMES L LYONS, HEART MADE ME FORGET SUCH A DETAIL.

AGAIN, I WISH TO THANK DOCTORS JAMES ABSHIRE, CHRISTAIN SWANSON, ROBERT QUADRO, DONALD

RYFUSS, GILBERT WRIGHT.

AND A RACQUETBALL PLAYING DOCTOR NAMED ERNIE; AND A NEW FATHER /DOCTOR NAMED DAVID.

...MAGGIE

Maureen (Lynch) Purk

December 13, 2005

Dear Lyons Clan,

I was so sad to hear about Mr. Lyons. I remember what a character he could be. Of course I will never forget when he had the awesome concert connections, and the great stories that went along with that period of time. It has always been great knowing your family, and you have always been so supportive of our family through the years. I know you will get through this, and I speak for all the Lynch family with our condolences.

Ivory Penny-Jean Upthegrove

December 13, 2005

I met James in 1975 at Freemont Adult school in his 1st class for the State Firearms Qualifications and his class on Security and Investigations. My husband and I would talk after class with him, He became my mentor and friend. I excelled in the Security field because of his wonderful training, and got asked who did my training many times. My reports and testmoney in courts were always praised, and He always got the credit. My love and prayers to his wife(who I met many years ago) and children and grandchildren.

Jeff Lindberg

December 12, 2005

Dear Lyons Family, I will always remember Jim as one of the people that helped me get started on my teaching career at Oak Ridge. Jim was always there with a joke and/or encouragement to a young, frightened, and often discouraged teacher. My thoughts and prayers are with the family during this difficult time.

Peggy Margaret Collins

December 10, 2005

Dear Maggie, Cori, Jimmy, Margaret, Jackie, John, Joe and grandchildren

Please know that Jim Lyons has been my hero for a very long time. When a very young girl he saved me from being hit by a runaway car. It was his quick thinking, courageous character and good heart which saved my life. My eternal graditude to him. My condolences to the Lyons clan on the passing of their dear patriarch.

Maureen Llewellyn Isbell

December 10, 2005

i remember from when i was really little going to visit papa and having ice cream and those little candies in rice paper. i remember going to coloma in the camper and papa cutting the heads off the fish. i remember seeing papa with his teeth out. i remember when he just had to have his cameras and cords. he would always just smile at me and tell me a story. he will never be forgotten. we love you papa.

Molly Rose Isbell

December 10, 2005

Papa is my Grandfather, and I will always remember and love him. He was an amazing man who fought to the end. I am honored to be his grandaughter. I'll always remember Kieth's patio, Dunkin Donuts, ice cream, Chinese candy, Korean chicken, Disney, cartoons, National Geographic, Ghostbusters, all of it. I'll remember you. I love you, Mollyrose

Jocelyn Isidro

December 10, 2005

I saw Jim’s & Maggie’s wedding picture yesterday, and was struck both by how happy he and Maggie looked, and by how little he and she have changed over the years. Although I didn’t know him for very long, the buoyancy and gallantry evident in the picture matched the man I just recently met. The spirit was the same.

I know he was a public servant, a teacher, a businessman, and a loving dad and grandfather. The last is manifest in his children’s and grandchildren’s love of him. He was a regular hero, one of the stand-up guys who keep our world safer and happier, often with little fanfare or compensation.

My deepest condolences on the death of your beloved husband and dad. I know you will miss him.

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