James Raymond Lyles, Sr. was born in Huntington, West Virginia on June 14, 1930, the oldest of four children, to the late James Lyles and Sarah Hunter Lyles. He passed away on February 26, 2019 at his residence, Woodside Village in Fort Washington, Maryland. His two brothers, Charles (Sonny) and Robert (Bobby), predeceased him. His surviving sibling is Mary Fisher Black. He was educated in the Cabell County public school system, graduating from Douglass High School on June 3, 1949.

He met and married the love of his life, Prue Wilkinson Sacre (deceased), July 1, 1969. They were the proud parents of two sons, Emmett Sacre and James Raymond Lyles, Jr. They enjoyed many happy times together. He had been a member of St. Timothy's Episcopal Church along with his family. He later became a member of From the Heart Church Ministries, working with the Senior Ministries.

After completing his primary education, he served in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean War as an Airman Basic, receiving a National Defense Service Medal. He was later employed as a taxi driver with the ABC Cab Company of Washington, D.C.; as a bus driver for Ride On - Montgomery County Transportation (Silver Spring, MD); as a clerk for Call 'N' Ride (Wheaton, MD); as a transit aid – Montgomery County Transportation.

As an artist and sculptor, he was motivated to further his education at Prince Georges Community College where he received an Associate of Arts in General Studies. He went on to attend Bowie State University, receiving a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree (May 2002). He was a staff/commentary writer for BSU newspaper, The Spectrum, and he was a member of the Bowie Alumni Association.

As an avid Washington Redskins (football) fan, he held season tickets, never missing a game until his later years. He was also an avid golfer who also enjoyed traveling with his late wife, Prue. Raymond was a member of the Advisory Committee on Aging, Prince Georges County, Maryland.

"Uncle Raymond", as he was affectionately known by his nieces and nephews, was always supportive of their endeavors. He leaves to cherish his memory two sons, Emmett Sacre, Jr. and Raymond, Jr.; two grandchildren, Emmett, III and LeShawn; his sister, Mary; his nieces, nephews and their families; and a host of other relatives and dear friends. He will be greatly missed.