James Lyons

James "Jim" Lyons, of Roslindale, passed away on December 18th, 2023, at the age of 77, following a brief and courageous battle with pancreatic cancer.

Jim was a true New Englander. He was Born in Charlestown in 1946 as the oldest of 2 children, spending his youth playing on the streets of South Boston and Forest Hills and eventually raising his children in Medfield, a community he cherished for the rest of his life. But he felt most at home when he was by the ocean. He spent his early and late life summers in Old Orchard Beach and Ocean Park, Maine and loved spending time at his Cape house in Orleans.

Jim was a proud alumnus of Boston College High School (‘63), Boston College (‘68), and Suffolk Law School ('76). He dedicated his professional life as a court-appointed attorney, primarily representing children and providing protection to the most vulnerable in our court system.

Jim was not only a distinguished lawyer but could also be described as a “renaissance man” with a passion for history, music and the arts. He was a longtime member of the Neponset Choral Society and a self-taught art collector with a keen eye for talent and a special appreciation for impressionism and New England artists. His weekends often found him exploring antique shops and flea markets, on the hunt for hidden treasures, be it a unique and captivating painting or a vintage set of golf clubs. He delighted in gifting these discoveries to his family and friends.

Many know Jim as an avid sports enthusiast. He was a loyal fan of all his Boston sports teams, a long time runner (and proud finisher of many Boston Marathons), passionate golfer, and dedicated handball player, often spending many Saturdays at the West Roxbury YMCA. His love for sports extended beyond his personal enjoyment, as he generously shared his passion by founding and then coaching the Mount Alvernia girls golf team for over two decades – one of the most treasured highlights of his life.

Jim is survived by his loving partner, Nancy Burke, and his devoted children, Brendan Lyons and Emily Lyons Peet. He was a cherished father-in-law to Cari Lyons and Ryan Peet and a proud and loving grandfather to Jack, Tripp, Lucy, and Parker Lyons. Jim is survived by his brother, Kevin Lyons and his wife, Claudia Lyons. He is preceded by his mother, Kathleen Lyons and father, James Lyons Sr.

Jim Lyons leaves behind a legacy of passion, dedication, and generosity that will be remembered by all who had the privilege of being in his presence. He was especially known for going out of his way to help others in need. In Jim’s name, we kindly invite you to make a donation to "First Tee" at www.massgolf.org, or carry out a random act of kindness, just as he lived his life. A celebration of life will be held at “West on Centre” in West Roxbury, from 12:00 pm - 3:00 pm on January 6, 2024; an informal, come-and-go event.