TUPELO/SPRINGFIELD, MA – John Irving Lyons, 90, a lifelong resident of Springfield, MA, passed away in Tupelo, MS surrounded by his loving family. Born in Springfield, Massachusetts, he attended Technical High School (1948) before enlisting, and honorably serving, in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean War era. Jack attended Western New England College, and retired from his work as a mechanical engineer at the age of 65, and continued consulting on projects up until the age of 81. He was an avid golfer and fly fisherman. Jack enjoyed tying flies, singing in the church choir, exploring the Internet on his iPad, and tinkering in the yard. Jack was a life-long, devoted athlete and a rabid fan of all sports, but baseball was his favorite. He was a pitcher for the U.S. Air Force (Japan/US) and a diehard Red Sox fan.
He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Ann “Beverly” (Thompson); his daughter, Kathleen (Lyons) Anderson (William); his granddaughter, Betsy (Anderson) Sims (Chase, plus two great grandsons, Jack and Rolan); his grandson, Barrett Anderson; his niece, Christine Collins (Dana, Lila); his niece, Kate Collins-Carney (Michael, Micheal, Tomas, Cathal); his niece, Beth Collins (Kathy); and his niece, Mella Sprinkle (Don). Jack was predeceased by his mother, Catherine (Day), and father, George; his sister, Patricia (Lyons) Collins (Thomas); his sister- and brother-in-law, Betty (Thompson) Waldron (Glenn); and niece, Valery (Waldron) Fairington.
Jack will be greatly missed by his friends at the Country Club of Wilbraham and multiple fishing groups that he participated in.
Services will be private to the family. Condolences may be posted at hollandfuneraldirectors.com.
