James V. Lyons

HOLDEN/PRINCETON – James V. Lyons, 63, of Forslund Road, Princeton passed away peacefully in his home on Saturday, June 4, 2011, surrounded by his loving family. Born in Lafayette, Indiana, Jim was the son of Joseph and Anna (Hurst) Lyons. He lived in Holden for many years before moving to Princeton in 2005.

Jim graduated from Our Lady of the Lourdes High School in Poughkeepsie, NY. He earned a BA in International Affairs from George Washington University; Masters Degrees in Education and Geography from the State University of New York, New Paltz and Binghamton; and a Ph.D. in Geography from Clark University in Worcester. Jim was a Professor of Earth Sciences at Worcester State University for 22 years.

A scholar of earth sciences, musical arts, storytelling, and life in general, Jim was a gifted generalist in a world focused on ever more narrow fields of expertise. He had a passion for learning, and his greatest joy was to teach and inspire in others an appreciation for the richness and scope of the earth and its people. He was a devoted teacher, constantly revising his material and developing new courses. Physical Geography, Geology, Meteorology, Climatology, Oceanography, New England Landscape, Geological Hazards, Planetary Geology and Earth History are just a few of the courses he taught.

Jim researched glaciology and volcanology. He philosophized on the nature of life and the interactions of individuals with their environment. He loved to make connections between diverse disciplines, synthesizing ideas and offering new ways to understand the world around us.

In his youth, Jim's favorite outings were those that led to the top of mountains. Fleet of foot, he always managed to race ahead to explore all the side trails, visit scenic outlooks, study the rock formations, and be waiting, his pockets bulging with granite chunks, for the rest of the family at the top. As an adult, Jim explored the world, taking expeditions and climbs to remote volcanoes and glaciers including Mt. Whitney in California, Mt. St. Helens in Washington, Hvannadalshnjükur in Iceland, Svalbard in Norway, and volcanoes in Bolivia and Kamchatka, Siberia.

An accomplished musician, Jim played guitar, banjo, mandolin, and hammer dulcimer. He was also a model train enthusiast and craftsman who hand built realistic landscapes and structures with meticulous detail. His wonderful sense of humor and keen interest in and appreciation for others made him beloved by his family, friends, and students.
He leaves his wife of 27 years, Helga M. (Hau) Lyons; two sons, Michael P. and Joseph K. Lyons, both of Princeton; two brothers, Joseph H. Lyons of Wilton, CT and Michael P. Lyons of Holly Springs, NC; three sisters, Teresa A. Corliss of Durham, NC, Joanne M. Lyons of Lexington, MA and Mary E. Kreitinger of Ithaca, NY; and ten nephews and nieces.

The Lyons family would like to thank the many people who helped and supported Jim during his illness. A memorial service celebrating Jim's life will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, June 11th at the Miles Funeral Home, 1158 Main Street (Rte. 122A), Holden. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Pancreatic Cancer Alliance, http://www.pancreaticalliance.org/ or c/o UMass Foundation/Pancreatic Research Fund, 333 South Street, Shrewsbury, MA 01545.

To share a memory or offer a condolence, please visit: www.milesfuneralhome.com