Lyons, James C.

James C. Lyons, 77, of Ellijay, Ga., formerly of Cedar Rapids, died Jan. 23, 2013. Memorial services: 1 p.m. (EST) Saturday, Feb. 2, at Hope Lutheran Church, 3295 Old Hwy 5 South, Ellijay, by Pastor David Smedley. Arrangements by Bernhardt Funeral Home, Ellijay.

Jim was born June 21, 1935, in Clinton, Iowa, and graduated from Lyons High School. He served in the Iowa National Guard. Jim worked many years in the restaurant business in the Cedar Rapids-Marion area, where he was active in Knights of Columbus and the St. Jude and LaSalle High School Booster clubs. Upon retirement, Jim moved to Ellijay, Ga., where he served as president of the Coosawattee Property Owners Association and its board. He was a charter member of Hope Lutheran Church in Ellijay and active with Habitat for Humanity.

Jim will always be remembered for his happy demeanor and positive outlook. He was always willing to lend a hand, and loved a game of cards, a round of golf, and spending time with family and friends.

Survivors include his wife, Jean Lyons; daughter, Natalie (Randy) McCrory of Rogers, Ark.; son, Kevin (Jennifer) Lyons of Cedar Rapids; stepchildren, Vickie Burkett of Decatur, Mich., Steven (Darlene) Meyer of Salt Lake City, Laura (Dustin) Wingate of Vanlue, Ohio, and Scott (Sue) Meyer of Houston, Texas; brother, Thomas Lyons of Chatsworth, Ga.; 13 grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Clarence and Anna Bitker Lyons; and brother, John Lyons.

Instead of flowers, donations may be made to the Hope Lutheran Church Building Fund in memory of Mr. Lyons.

Family and friends may sign the online guest book at www.bernhardtfh.com

Published Jan. 27, 2013 in The Gazette