The death has taken place at his home in Old Head, Louisburgh, following an illness borne with great courage, of James (Jim) Lyons. Born on July 1,1926, in the family home at Furmoyle, Louisburgh, Jim was the second youngest of twelve children born to Redmond and Mary Lyons (nee McNamara). As a young man, Jim was a keen footballer and was very involved in the local community, and in particular the GAA. His love of music, and especially traditional music, stayed with him throughout his life. In 1952 he emigrated to Chicago where he joined his brothers, Tom, Pat, Richard and sister, Christine. There, he was an active member of St Patrick's GAA Football Association and played on the Chicago All Stars of 1956. He was a popular and well-known figure among the Irish community there and many of the great friends he made then remained his closest until his death. In 1961 Jim returned to Ireland and spent a number of years in Dublin where he settled in Sandymount and developed his business in property. ln 1982, he married Mary Rose (nee Fair) and later moved to Old Head, Louisburgh. In many ways, it was a homecoming for him. Returning home to Mayo was the culmination of all his hard work, success and good luck and he ended his life in the place he loved most. They celebrated 25 years of marriage in August, 2007. Following repose at the family home in Old Head, removal took place to St Patrick's Church, Louisburgh, accompanied by a Guard of Honour drawn from the ranks of Louisburgh GAA Club and Westport Golf Club. The very many people who came to pay their respects and attended the Funeral Mass were a testament to the esteem Jim was held in by all who knew him. Fr Leo Morahan, a close family friend, celebrated the Funeral Mass, assisted by Fr Mattie Long, Canon Tadhg O Morain, Fr Vincent Kelly, Fr Sean O'Leary and Fr Patrick Gill, followed by burial at Killeen Cemetery. In his homily, Fr Leo described Jim as "gentle, a gentleman, man of wisdom, of wit too and retaining his father's native common sense. Although he travelled far, his Furmoyle nature never left him. He remained the same Jim Lyons whether he was the carefree teenager or later when he became a successful businessman, whether he was in the boardroom, in the garden or on the golf course." Jim had a great enthusiasm for life that was apparent in everything he enjoyed - in his great support for and interest in the GAA, in golf and in his family and friends. His positive outlook, great wit and wisdom endeared him to his many friends and relatives. In his homily, Fr Leo also talked of how "Jim loved people - he willed them the very best - his friends, his neighbours, his acquaintances, his colleagues, his many nephews and nieces, cousins, in-laws, his family: Jemma, Andrea, Paul and Kieran, and, above all, of course, his life partner, Mary-Rose. ln his 81 years, Jim lived many lives and to his family and those who knew him he never aged in his out-look or energies. Every day had its goal to accomplish and he was always looking forward. He bore his illness with the same courage, good spirit and tenacity he showed throughout his life". Jim is sadly missed by his wife,Mary-Rose; family,Jemma, Andrea, Paul and Kieran; son-in-law, Neil; daughter-in-Law, Darci; grandchildren, hrother, Richard (Chicago); sisters, Christine Maloney (Chicago) and Sr Dympna (Houston, Texas) sister-in-law, nieces, nephews, cousins and many friends. Jim was predeceased by his brothers Patrick, Tom, John, Austin and Redmond and sisters Nora, Annie and Mary. May his gentle soul rest in peace. Courtesy of the Mayo News 6 May 2008 Tweet

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