James F. Lyons, 63, of Pleasant Valley Dr., died peacefully surrounded by his loving family in the Rose Monahan Hospice Home on Wednesday, April 14, 2010, after a year-long battle with cancer.

    He is survived by his beautiful bride and best friend of 24 years, Anne L. (Palmer) Lyons; two sons, Sean M. Lyons of Brookfield and Todd M. Lyons of Grafton; two daughters, Tanya L. Lyons and her husband James of Sonoma, CA and Amy C. Lyons of Shrewsbury; and six grandchildren whom called him "Grampa-Pop Pop", Cam, Erin, Ali, Carrie, Livi and Keegan. He was born in Worcester, the son of Thomas F. and Constance V. (Metivier) Lyons and lived all of his life in Worcester.

    Jim was a U.S. Navy veteran of the Vietnam War serving aboard the USS Chicago (CG 11). He was a truck driver for Coca-Cola Company in Westborough for 40 years, retiring in 2008, and a member of Teamsters Local 170 in Worcester. As a Harley Davidson enthusiast, he spent numerous adventurous years riding with his co-pilot, Annie. He was an avid fisherman and enjoyed gardening, crossword puzzles and spending time with his grandchildren.

    Relatives and friends are invited to attend calling hours from 3 to 6 p.m. on Sunday, April 18th, in the Miles Funeral Home, 1158 Main St., Holden. The funeral service for Jim will be held at 10 a.m. on Monday, April 19th, in the funeral home with burial following in Worcester County Memorial Park, Paxton. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital , 501 St. Jude's Place, Memphis, TN 38105; or VNA Care Network, Rose Monahan Hospice Home, 120 Thomas St., Worcester, MA 01608.