James L. Lyons, age 80, died unexpectedly at home on December 27, 2018. James was born in Dunkirk, on August 8, 1938, the only son of James and Dorothy (McMartin) Lyons and made his home in Dunkirk his entire life. He attended Dunkirk High School and graduated from Devereaux High School in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He attended Carnegie Institute of Technology to study architecture. After a two year apprenticeship, he became a journeyman electrician with IBEW Local 106. Learning was a lifelong interest for Jim who furthered his studies by attending the University of Buffalo and SUNY Fredonia.

Jim was incredibly funny, hard-working and kind-hearted. Since childhood, he had an interest in stamps and coins. In later life, he had a consuming interest in genealogy and was a member of many genealogy societies. He was a past president of the Barker Library Genealogy Society, a past President of the National Genealogical Society of America, and current Genealogist of the Ostrander Family Association.

Jim was passionate about music, especially opera. He loved Wagner and Puccini. He traveled to Seattle for a week long performance of The Ring. He also traveled extensively in the US, visiting all of our states except New Mexico. In 2015, Jim and his family spent a month in London celebrating his 50th wedding anniversary.