James Rowe Lyday

James Rowe Lyday, age 87, of Mentone passed away Tuesday, May 13, 2008 at his home. Jim Lyday was adored by all who knew him. He was a good man and a wonderful example to his family, friends and fellow church members of how to live a fruitful Christ-like life. He left the mountain to serve as a flight engineer on PBY aircraft in WWII; and completed his service being honorably discharged as a seaman First Class. Jim was member of the American Legion. He met the love of his life Penny Pennington while at UGA. They have been loving partners through all aspects of their lives, especially supporting UGA. They were married during the Christmas break on December 21, 1947. After graduating from the University of Georgia he taught at the College of Ag Engineering. Jim taught Ag in Monroe, where his children Mellanie and Jimmy were born. They moved to Cincinnati in 1960, joined Roselawn Baptist church and he taught 8th grade science. In 1969, he started the Community in Schools Program supervising 60 teachers serving 3000 students per year. Retired in 1982, Penny and Jim went to Hawaii to celebrate. They added a wing to the Rock House in 1990 and moved to Mentone. Moving back home was a blessing for Jim. They were members of the First Baptist Church of Fort Payne and regularly supported and attended Howard's Chapel. They sat on the front left pew. Jim's favorite time of the year was Thanksgiving when all the family comes to the Rock House in Mentone, Al. Granddad Jim wrote 2 books so his grandchildren could know his stories and the times in which he grew up. With rare exception, every Sunday afternoon, Jim faithfully wrote letters to family and friends. Jim Lyday's favorite scripture: Micah 6:8 He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the Lord require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy and to walk humbly with thy God. Funeral services will be 1 p.m. Friday, May 16, 2008 at Wilson Funeral Home Chapel with Dr. Pat McFadden officiating. Burial will follow in Howard’s Chapel Cemetery. The family will receive friends Friday from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. at the funeral home.

James Rowe Lyday

July 22, 1920 - May 13, 2008