James I. Lyons

Rev. James I. “Jim” Lyons, of Greensburg

Rev. James I. “Jim” Lyons, 91, passed away peacefully on Friday, August 28, 2026. Born in Greensburg on November 5, 1934, Jim lived a life devoted to his family, faith, service, and community.

Jim grew up in “Hilltop” and was a graduate of Greensburg-Salem High School and a guard on their championship Basketball teams in the 1950’s, where he was fondly known by his teammates as “Eggy.” He was a proud U.S. Army veteran who served in Alaska. He studied accounting at Robert Morris University in Pittsburgh and earned his degree in Economics from Drury College in Springfield, Missouri, where he met his beloved Alabama-born wife, Betty Jo Reynolds Lyons. He also attended Evangel Bible College in Springfield, Missouri, further preparing him for a lifetime of Christian ministry.

Jim’s professional career began in accounting, where he was employed by the Internal Revenue Service and various medical and other professionals and businesses to provide accounting and financial services over the years. In the 1990’s, he began a long, rewarding career in the motivational and Christian publishing industry, beginning at Whitaker House. He spent his most rewarding professional years with Fleming H. Revell Company, founded in New Jersey, where he pioneered Manna Books, whose office was located in Greensburg. Manna became one of the most successful divisions of Revell, reflecting Jim’s vision, leadership, and dedication to Christian publishing, expanding the delivery of Christian and motivational books to innovative and previously untapped retail markets.

Jim’s parents were the founders of Full Gospel Church in Greensburg during World War II. Jim assisted them through his young adulthood in ministry there. After retiring from the publishing industry, Jim devoted himself fully to ministry. He and his wife served at Full Gospel Church, and he later founded numerous churches throughout the Greensburg area, including Alpha Ministries. Those ministries touched the lives of countless individuals and families through his faith, guidance, and service. His commitment to spreading the Gospel and building communities of faith remained an important part of his life.

Jim will be lovingly remembered by his daughters, Linda Shawl (James) and JoEllen Lyons Dillon (David); grandchildren, Alissa Garcia (Daniel), Lauren Shawl, James Shawl (Emily), Brandon Shawl, Wesley Dillon, David Dillon, and Dany Dillon; great-grandchildren, Grant Shawl, Sophia Garcia, and Jacob Garcia; and his beloved nephew, James D. Walthour (April); nieces, Melanie Lyons Stegner, Jan Lyons Anderson, Jill Lyons Clark (Bryant) and numerous other nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, John D. Lyons and Gladys E. Kettering Lyons, he was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Betty Jo Reynolds Lyons; sister, Esther Walthour (James H.); brother, John “Jack” D. Lyons (Ruth); and niece, Victrina Lea Lyons.

Family and friends will be received from 2 pm to 5 p.m. on Sunday, August 30, 2026, at Kepple-Graft Funeral Home, 524 North Main Street, Greensburg. Funeral services and burial will be private.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the following organization supporting research for cure of illnesses affecting various family members: Foundation for PWSA USA, 1032 East Brandon Blvd, Brandon, Florida, 33511, http://bit.ly/james-lyons or to the Beckwith-Wiedemann Syndrome Research Fund, www.give2.chop.edu/give/244300#!/donation/checkout.

Jim leaves behind a lasting legacy of faith, family, service, and ministry. He will be deeply missed by those who knew and loved him, and his influence will continue through the many lives he touched.

For online condolences, please visit www.kepplegraft.com.