He was the son of Jack Lyons (John H. Lyons Sr.), who was active in the International Association of Bridge, Structural, Ornamental and Reinforcing Iron Workers (IABSOIW).
[1][2] Lyons worked in the iron industry while studying mechanical engineering at the University of Missouri School of Mines.
During World War II, he served in the United States Air Force, then after the war, he worked for the General Bronze Corporation in New York City.
In 1959, Lyons was elected as a vice-president of the union, then in 1961 he succeeded his father as president.
In the 1980s, he was the only labor member of Reagan's Scowcroft Commission, while in 1984, he was co-chair of the National Democratic Party Platform Committee.