James C. Lyons

James (Jim) Clayton Lyons, 64, of Danville passed away at 10:25pm on Monday, December 16, 2019 surrounded by his family. Jim was born on June 5, 1955 in East Chicago, Indiana to Rhea and Betty Lyons. On September 27, 1980 Jim married the love of his life Carolyn Shaffer and they have spent the last 39 years happily making memories together.

Surviving family include, wife Carolyn, daughter, Sarah Jo (Jared) Bouton of Shelbyville, IL; son, Brad (Amanda) Lyons of Danville; grandchildren, Ella Rhea, Wesley, and Thea; mother and father in law, Ronald (Sharon) Shaffer; sisters in law, Toni (Danny) Miller, Teri Shaffer, Tracy Campbell; brothers in law, Charlie (Helen) Shaffer, Ron (Shara) Shaffer; Uncle and Aunt, Kenny and Becky Lyons; double first cousin, Wendell Lyons as well as several nieces, nephews and long time friends. Jim was preceded in death by his parents Rhea and Betty Lyons, double first cousin, Bobby Lyons and Grandma J.

Jim graduated from Bismarck High School in the class of 1973 after 12 years of perfect attendance. In his over 40 years of work as a machinist he was employed at Hurletron Altar and Tridan before ending his career at KIK. Jim, alongside his wife Carolyn, greatly enjoyed watching their children participate in sporting events through the years, and he was their greatest fan. He spent countless summers at the ballpark coaching and umpiring, this brought him happiness and gave him a chance to love and encourage many kids and teenagers over the years. Jim was an avid sports fan and was a die hard Chicago Cubs, Blackhawks, Bears, and Illini fan. He also enjoyed watching Bismarck football games, and continued to attend even when he was sick to support his Blue Devils. In his spare time Jim liked to bowl, which he did for 25 years and was where he met his beautiful wife. He absolutely loved spending time with his grandchildren, and being with his family, including his dog Bandit. Jim was a kind and loving man who never knew a stranger, he loved adventure and he will be greatly missed by his family and friends.

A celebration of Jims life will take place at 11am on Saturday, December 21, 2019 at Sunset Funeral Home and Cremation Center in Danville, Illinois, 3940 N Vermilion St. Danville, Illinois 61834, guests are welcome to arrive at 10am to spend time with the family prior to the service. Officiating will be Rev. Jared Bouton accompanied by Brian Hawkins. Visitation will be from 4pm to 7pm on Friday, December 20, 2019 at the funeral home.

The family would like to encourage guests to arrive to both the visitation and service in casual clothing, including wearing sports gear of one of Jim's favorite teams, Cubs, Blackhawks, Bears or Bismarck. Also, in lieu of flowers the family would ask that you make donations in Jim's name to the Bismarck High School football team or Bismarck Youth Football. Please join Jims family in sharing photos and memories on his tribute wall at www.sunsetfuneralhome.com.

Services Visitation Friday December 20, 2019 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM Sunset Funeral Home & Cremation Center 3940 N Vermilion St. Danville, Il 61834 Funeral Service Saturday December 21, 2019 11:00 AM Sunset Funeral Home & Cremation Center 3940 N Vermilion St. Danville, Il 61834