- The family strongly request that memorials be sent in James' memory to the Gerica Lilly Savings Fund, c/o Belco Credit Union , 425 S. Duke Street, Lancaster, PA 17602.
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Memories & Candles
Previous
“Today I was thinking about Jay, I remember how pleasant he was to be around and how he reached out to many people. I was in SACA YouthBuild in 2007,...Read More »
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1 of 22 | Posted by: Cynthia 'Ceiy' Wilson - Kingston, NY
“I knew james since the first grade. He always had a smile on his face and had tons of friends. He was such a great person and loved by many, He will...Read More »
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2 of 22 | Posted by: Chambri M Espinosa 
- lancaster, PA
“I saw James and abandoned lyrics about 3 or 4 years ago at a show that I was singing at. I was taking off a semester, so I was looking for something...Read More »
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3 of 22 | Posted by: Tyshana Rosado - Lancaster
“I am so deeply sorry about this tragic loss for your family. My family lives down the road and came upon the tragic accident. This is such a...Read More »
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4 of 22 | Posted by: Nancy - Millersville, PA - none
“To: Gerika, your girls & Mother,
We send our deepest condolences. A great loss however you gain an ANGEL although we may not understand the Lord has...Read More »
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5 of 22 | Posted by: Angel & Yashira Luciano - PA
“May you continue to rest wth the angels cause you truly are a angel I pray that you find confort in the lord knowing that he is at peace...
...Read More »
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6 of 22 | Posted by: lisa parker - lancaster pa, PA
“Dearest Gerica & family,
We did not know Jay but this obituary opened the door into his life. He loved God and wanted to share that love with...Read More »
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7 of 22 | Posted by: Carmen & Luis Navarro - Lancaster, PA
“So sad to know that yet another special person has left us, but who are we to questions gods reasoning? Everybody has a purpous on earth, and it is...Read More »
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8 of 22 | Posted by: Zugeiry Robles - Lancaster, PA
“Thinkinking of you & your family during this very difficult time in your life please let me know if there is anything I can for you to make his time...Read More »
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9 of 22 | Posted by: MiltaVega - Lacaster, PA
“To: Janet Simms and the entire Lilly Family:
I pray during this very challenging time that you draw on the strength of our Lord and Saviour Jesus...Read More »
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10 of 22 | Posted by: Pastor Dawn Harmon - Mount Joy, PA
“Dear Janet and Family Members,
Please know that you all are in my thoughts and prayers. God Bless You all.faec
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11 of 22 | Posted by: Glenn Carpenter - Waldeck, PA
“I didn't know Jay but from reading his obit all I can say is WOW what an awesome man he was. I hope someone continues his work in his memory because...Read More »
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12 of 22 | Posted by: Darlene Taylor - Lancaster, PA
“It had been happening for a few weeks, everyone I spoke with said "You gotta meet James Lilly with Abandoned Lyrics! You guys are like brothers!" ...Read More »
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13 of 22 | Posted by: Justin Rule - Lancaster, PA
“Although I didn't know young James I am truly touched by the love and commitment he had for our youth. He leaves a legacy of hope and love. I am so...Read More »
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14 of 22 | Posted by: Celines - Lancaster, PA - none
“Leave a condolence or a memory.
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15 of 22 | Posted by: Cekines - lancaster - no relation
“To Gerica and Family and The Lilly Family,
So sorry for your loss. You all are in my prayers. Remember "When You Can't, He Can" Ephesians 3:20.
...Read More »
”
16 of 22 | Posted by: Kimberly Montgomery Young and Family - PA
“To Gerica & Family & To the Lilly Family ,
Our Thoughts & Prayers are with you .
May GOD keep you in his LOVING Arms & Guide you through your...Read More »
”
17 of 22 | Posted by: The Zook Family - Lancaster, PA
“I remember James well as a very sweet little boy in Kindergarten at Burrowes Elementary School. So many wonderful things he did in his life. May he...Read More »
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18 of 22 | Posted by: Paula Foreman
“Goodbye
Its so hard to say goodbye,
I just want to sit and cry.
My precious cousin and friend so dear,
It has turned into, an awful year.
It...Read More »
”
19 of 22 | Posted by: Marsha Jones - Lititz, PA
“Will miss you
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20 of 22 | Posted by: George E Jones Jr - York, PA
“I did not know Jay well. He was married to my cousins daughter... However,
after reading this obit. I was moved and inspired by this young man...Read More »
”
21 of 22 | Posted by: David Tirado - Lancaster, PR
“To Gerica and family and the Lilly Family:
I am sorry for your loss. May God's love comfort you and keep you in your time of bereavement. You...Read More »
”
22 of 22 | Posted by: Judy McCloud - Lancaster, PA
Lilly
James Lee Lilly, III (Jay) 25 of Lancaster PA passed away Sunday, August 5, 2012. Born in Lancaster, Pa. on June 30, 1987, he was the son of James L. Lilly Jr. and Diana Ramos Davis. He graduated from JP McCaskey High School in 2005. He also attended and graduated from Motorcycle Mechanics Institute (MMI) in Orlando, Florida in December of 2006, with a technical degree in Motorcycle Mechanics. He was currently employed at Exelon as an Armed Security Officer.
James was an incredibly talented and god-fearing young man. He had a strong passion for music and mentoring the youth. He cared about his family and strived to give them the world. As we all know, James was a Motorcycle Enthusiast and loved feeling the rush of freedom.
James accepted Christ as his savior at the age of 16, at Bright Side Baptist Church. Later he and his family joined Family Life Community Church. Jay and his wife Gerica worked hard at sharing God's words with young people through music. As a member of family life community church, James had motivation to help the church become the ultimate worship experience. He had passion to set an atmosphere for free and radical worship. He had no tolerance for anything less than perfection and devoted his time to making sure he provided just that. He knew if they could see and feel God working in his life that it would inspire others to seek God for themselves. He took advantage of every opportunity to let the youth showcase their God given talents.
During the time he was employed at Youth Build, James would not let any of the youth give him an excuse as to why they could not come to the training. He would call them and go pick them up. Soon they realized he was not going to let them give up.
James was the founder of Vice Vrsa and Team VR music group. They traveled and performed in and out of Pennsylvania. Through his music he tried to reach young people and convey the message that there is more to life than money and drugs. He felt if he gave them an avenue to express themselves they would reach down inside and find something that they love to do.
James founded a youth mentoring program, Abandon Lyrics in 2007 and devoted his time to teaching young men and women that it was "ok to love the Lord". Abandoned Lyrics started at Crispus Attucks and later moved to Bright Side Opportunities Center. Abandoned Lyrics is a program that encourages youth to express themselves through singing, dancing and poetry. Through this program James worked with kids from the School District of Lancaster, the School District of Lebanon and School District of Reading. They performed in various locations including Millersville University and First Friday.
James received the Ruby Payne Cook Award in January 2009 from Crispus Attucks. Ruby Payne Cook was the Executive Director of Crispus Attucks for nearly 30 years.
James Lilly III is survived by his wife, Gerica (Tirado) Lilly and two daughters, Jalysa Lilly (6) and Avaah Lilly (3); parents James L. Lilly Jr., Diana Ramos Davis and his stepfather, Maurice Davis; his sisters, Michaela King, Ciara Lilly, Kayla Lilly, Kayonna Lilly, Kira Lilly, Ty'lia Stewart; brothers Darnell Davis (stepbrother) and Kannon Lilly. He also leaves behind his maternal grandparents Nohelia Ramos, wife of Luis Ramos Sr., paternal grandparents Janet Simms, wife of Judge Richard H. Simms Sr. and James Lee Lilly Sr (York, PA); and a host of Aunts, Uncles and Cousins, all of Lancaster, PA.
Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend his Life Celebration Service at Brightside Baptist Church, 515 Hershey Avenue, Lancaster, PA on Sunday at 3:00PM with Pastor Alex Rivera officiating. Interment will be held at Conestoga Memorial Park. The family will receive friends at the church on Sunday from 1:30PM until the time of services. Please omit flowers. The family strongly request that memorials be sent in James' memory to the Gerica Lilly Savings Fund, c/o Belco Credit Union , 425 S. Duke Street, Lancaster, PA 17602. To share your fondest memory of James, please visit www.ifecelebration.com.
