James Lyons killed by small arms fire

A Brighton couple is grieving Thursday over the loss of their only child who was killed while fighting in Iraq. 1st Lieutenant James Lyons of the U.S. Army died Wednesday in Southern Baghdad.

"This isn't something you'd imagine," said Robert Lyons, James' father.

At noon Wednesday, Marcia Lyons heard the dreaded knock on the door.

"I opened the door and there were two Army officers there and I knew then that James was a casualty," said Marcia Lyons, James' mother.

Her son, 28-year-old James Lyons was killed by small arms fire in Southern Baghdad. James was a 1st Lieutenant and a tank platoon leader in the 4th Infantry Division. But to Marcia, he was more than that.

"He was my only son," said Lyons.

The only son who attended Brighton High School and Vermont Academy and then went on to Syracuse University. James enlisted in the U.S. Army three years ago.

"It seemed like it fit him. A desk job didn't seem like it fit him. He was very determined after 9/11 that he wanted to do something for his country," said Lyons.

And that he did. Robert says his son returned home not too long ago in August and shared stories about the difference U.S. forces are making in Iraq. Robert says despite his son's death, he still supports the war on terror.

"I personally believe that we have to stop the terrorists before they attack us more here in the U.S. and James felt that way and believed very much in what he was doing in Baghdad," said Lyons.

The tree outside their home has been wrapped for months with a yellow bow showing support for American troops. But on Thursday, hovering over that same yellow bow is a black one.

"Very proud that our son was part of it. Very sad that he is not part of it anymore, but very proud that he was part of it," said Lyons.

Robert is a Safety Officer with the Brighton Fire Department. The Lyons say they could not have gotten through this without the support of his fellow firefighters. They've been camping out at their home since they got the tragic news. 1st Lieutenant James Lyons was to complete his tour of duty in November.

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