James Curtis Lyons Sr

James Curtis Lyons, Sr. was born in Arcadia, Louisiana at home to David and Mildred Lyons on September 12, 1940. He already had a big brother, David and a few years later would come along baby sister Beth. Growing up in Arcadia was a boy's delight. There was family near, including his Pop's store, where he could get a candy fix when he needed it. He worked in a dairy for his Uncle Doug and loved it. In high school years there was hunting and fishing with the gang out away from the "big" town of Arcadia. Of course there were the school activities not much of the academics but of course football being a "hit" with him. Now the biggest hit was on his future love, Annette, He choked her up at their first introduction at a high school basketball game in Gibsland, LA.

After graduating in 1958 from Arcadia High, Jimmy enlisted in the Navy. He shipped out for San Diego, a good bit away from his Annette. He served 3 years and 9 months receiving two medals and a commendation.

Jimmy came home and married his sweet heart, Annette Hines in Ruston, LA. by cousin Rev. Doug McGuire on December 7, 1962 thus starting their own personal "war". It was a love battle for all 47 ½ years to come. Wendi Annette would be the first victory born on September 13, 1964. Then James Curtis Lyons, Jr. better known as Jay became their next little victory on February 17, 1966. They lived n Gibsland while Jimmy worked for the LA Power and Light Co. The company would send them to New Orleans next.

Upon coming back to North Louisiana, they settled in Shreveport for Jim to go to college. When he finished his B.S. in Business Administration at Louisiana Tech in 1970, Jim went to work for Louisiana Bank N Trust. While at the bank he joined the Shreveport Jaycees. He enjoyed the time he spent helping in all the needy causes they helped. Jim with Annette taught a class at Engleside Baptist Church. This being the beginning of a lifelong service for the Kingdom of Jesus Christ.

Next he would serve as a children's teacher at Broadmoor Baptist Church.

Next stop of service would be a full time position, surrendering to Christ's call to go into Christian Education. At Calvary Baptist Church he would wear many hats, some even stacked up at one time. When Jim gave into a call it was with all his being. Living out the verse "Thou shalt love the Lord your God with all your heart, mind, soul and strength. This is the 1st command, Mark 12:30. He would live this out over and over again along with his favorite verse Prov. 3:5-6 - Trust in the Lord with all thine heart, lean not on thy own understanding, in all thy ways acknowledge Him and He shall direct thy paths. As God would have it, he took Jim back into the business world. First at 1st National in Shreveport, then to Bank IV in Wichita, KS. In Wichita, the Lord asked Jim to help with Singles Ministry. He and Annette didn't do anything other than be themselves and Jesus used them mightily changing hearts and lives for the Kingdom of God.

When they were called back to Louisiana, he was now a Grandfather. They settled in Springhill but often had a new little visitor, Annette Marie Jones. Then he had his 1st grandson, David Blaine Lyons, Jay's son. He couldn't spend enough time with them. To keep his priorities right and not miss church, he'd just take them with him when they visited! Besides he said, "you're never too young to hear the Lord's Word." A year later, Cami Leigh Lyons would come a visiting with big brother Blaine. And a year after that would be Joel Adam Jones. Now called "Pop", Jim was in grandparent heaven. Between loving Annette, grandbabies, Jesus, and still working fulltime, Pop stayed busy. He loved it all.

Jim made his next stop in Texarkana, a brief one, then on to Greenville, MS. He taught the Word of God diligently at both stops. Touching more heart for the Lord. Jim would then take Annette and himself to Meridian, MS. His son in law, Kevin asked them to come stay with them, because there were now new additions to his grandparent duties. Hanna Elizabeth Jones. She soon would be followed by Bethany Hope Jones and finally Mary Faith Jones. Pop worked at Bank Plus, served at his church again wearing more than one hat! Men's Ministry, Choir, Teaching, Military Ministry to name a few that he felt the Lord's Call to assist in. Yet he always had time for his love Annette and a few extras if they were hanging around at the moment! Pop would officially retire from business just not the Lord's business. He also picked up a heavy hobby Powerlifting. He began training in 1999 to help his health initially but began another area for Jim to share his faith in Jesus Christ. He so wanted all to know the Savior as their own.

Kevin's job took all the family to El Paso, TX. It didn't take Jim long to get full strength in ministry, joining the Gideon's, family and training. He had so much to give, he just couldn't help himself. He served the Lord two years there before Jim was asked to pack up and head to Frisco, TX again because of a job change. By the time he made it to Frisco, Jim had a beautiful new daughter in law Melissa and a grand daughter Camryn.

As he settled into Frisco four years ago, Jim joined with the church at Prestonwood landing at the North campus. Once again befriending neighbors, church family and gym buddies. He couldn't ever keep still but always ever knowing that he needed to spread the gospel to all he came in contact with. He now took on any service hat for Christ he could. Missions whether here or abroad he was willing. A trip to Romania to share Christ just further list his fire for the cause of Christ. No service was too small or menial if it needed to be done to help another for Jesus. Jim did it and with a joyful heart. From mowing yards for ill friends, to driving a bus, to building, to teaching, to security, to choir, and to military ministry and more. He lived according to the Word, and he didn't just hear, he was an obedient doer. His love, devotion and example as a Man of Christ, a biblical husband, godly father and loyal friend will be missed greatly.