James Darron Lyda

James Darron Lyda was born May 16, 1969, at Newberg Community Hospital to John and Janet (Hight) Lyda. He was excitedly welcomed by older brother Jack, 11, and older sister Julie, 9. He was joined 23 months later by baby brother Jerrie.

Jamie and Jerrie were great companions and kept the family entertained. He was taken to Newberg Friends Church at two weeks of age and was raised in the church, giving his life to the Lord at an early age. He attended Twin Rocks Friends Camp and Melody Mountain Christian Camp.

He attended Bonnie Benedict’s kindergarten, Mabel Rush Elementary School, Springbrook Middle School, Emmaus Christian School and graduated from Newberg High School in 1987. He graduated from George Fox University in 1991 with a BS in physical fitness.

He loved playing any kind of ball and his big brother and hero, Jack, helped him learn the skills. He got involved in soccer at a young age and played on soccer teams throughout his school years including George Fox University, where his team won the national championship with National Christian College Athletic Association. He also played on baseball and football teams in elementary and middle school. He and his brother Jerrie loved throwing the football and kicking the soccer ball with each other right up to Christmas weekend two days before he died. He coached several soccer teams, a Little League baseball team, and played church league softball.

Major Lyda served in the U.S. Navy Reserve from March 1993 to September 1995 before transferring to the U.S. Army/National Guard. He served in Iraq during Operation Freedom from February 2003 to March 2004. (He was there during the time that Saddam Hussein was captured.) He moved to the Army Reserves in June 2011. He was recognized for multiple achievements and earned medals including The Bronze Star Medal and the National Defense Service Medal. He received the Meritorious Service Award for positions of increasing responsibility, culminating a 28 year career as a brigade observer controller/trainer in support of 84th Training Command. Major Lyda’s leadership abilities, professionalism, exemplary achievement and dedication to duty directly reflect the overall success of the U.S. Army. He retired in June 2021.

He had several careers, including lifeguarding and teaching swim lessons at the Chehalem Park and Recreation District Aquatic Center, teaching racquetball at a racquetball club, driving truck for Pride Disposal, owning his own company (Crossroads Clean-up), serving as a police officer, and driving truck for several companies.

He married Shelley English on July 15, 2016, and moved to Prineville. They attended Juniper Baptist Church. They loved to hike the many area trails with their dog, Tucker. James loved rockhounding and exploring the many lakes, and, with Shelley, loved riding their tandem bike around town. James enjoyed helping neighbors with their projects. He said people would be surprised that he enjoyed spending time at the library. In fact, he bought eight puzzles for his mom for this Christmas at a library sale.

His final job was for Western Heavy Haul driving a semi from Prineville to the Port of Portland and back every day. He was killed on his way back to Prineville during the severe wind and rain storm on Tuesday, Dec. 27,, 2022, when, on Highway 26 near Blue Box Pass, Milepost 64, a large Douglas fir tree blew over, landing on the cab of the semi.

He is survived by his wife, Shelley Lyda, and his children: daughter, Jamie Lyda (Ben) McKinney of Erin, Tennessee, and son, Devin Lyda, of Newberg. Also surviving are a grandson, Brantley McKinney, of Erin, Tennessee; three step-children, Charlie, Shannon and Ryan and nine step-grandchildren; mother, Janet Lyda of Newberg; brother, Jack (Sandy) Lyda, of Troup, Texas; sister, Julie (John) Lansford, of Jamestown, Ohio; brother, Jerrie (Becky) Lyda, of Newberg and many nieces and nephews. His father, John Lyda, and a nephew, Joel Lansford, preceded him in death.

In lieu of flowers, donations in James' name may be made to COPS PAC, online at
https://secure.anedot.com/community-oriented-public-servants-pac/donate
or by mail to:
COPS PAC
PO Box 57
Newberg Oregon, 97132.

Farnstrom Mortuary of Independence is caring for the family.