James “Willis” Lyons, 89, passed away December 26, 2025, at his home in Edwardsburg, MI.  He was born November 8, 1936, in Harrodsburg, KY.

On August 13, 1977 he married Eugenia “Jeanne” Shafer; she survives along with 3 children, Vicky Griffin, Peggy (Robbie) Sargent, Malena (Josh) Curbow, 6 grandchildren, Derek (Tara), Tena (James), Daniel (CC), Del, Rebekah, and Hannah. Also surviving are 10 great-grandchildren, Braylon (Lauren), Brantley, Truett, Alexis, Jaxson, Erixson, Ashton, Chase, Gavin, Myles, 2 siblings, Floyd (Linda) Lyons, Mable Estes, numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, and other family members.

  He was preceded in death by his parents, James & Sara Lyons, son, James Floyd, granddaughter, Jessica, 2 sisters, Virginia “Ginner”, Mary “Francis”, and a brother-in-law, Nellus Estes.

  Willis was a long-time member of the Elkhart Moose Lodge, liked his cats and dogs, enjoyed mowing his lawn, traveling to Mackinac Island, and most of all making amazing memories with his family.  He was a fun loving man that always made others laugh and was a great story teller often reminiscing his stories of his younger years when he was referred to as “Rebel”. 

   Visitation will be held from 5-7 p.m. Tuesday, December 30, 2025 at Walley-Mills-Zimmerman Funeral Home. 

  Additional visitation will be held Friday, January 2, 2026 from 11-1 p.m. at Alexander & Royalty Funeral Home, 304 East Lexington Street Harrodsburg, KY 40330.  Funeral Services will begin at 1 p.m. and presiding will be Brother Lynn Releford.   Immediately following the service, he will be laid to rest at Spring Hill Cemetery.   The pallbearers will be Derek Emerson, Daniel Emerson, Del Sargent, Ashton Feck, Erixson Stump and Ridge Briesacker.  The honorary pallbearers will be Braylon Emerson, Chase Campbell, Gavin Campbell, Myles Campbell, Jaxson Stump, Brantley Allen, and Truett Emerson.

 Memorial contributions may be given to any local hospice organization.