US National Guard veteran who enjoyed making stained glass and travel
MELROSE — James J. Tierney of Melrose died peacefully at home surrounded by his loving family on November 4 at the age of 95.
Jim was born on May 11, 1928, in Cambridge to the late James and Catherine Tierney. In 1955, he married the love of his life, Barbara Rogers. He was the devoted father of James J. Tierney Jr. and his wife Laura of Beverly; Susan Horne and her husband Bob of Needham; Mary Ann Sullivan and her husband Tony of Wakefield; Kathleen Studley and her husband Ken of Tewksbury; Carol Rogers and her husband Ralph of Beverly; and Barbara Mulvey and her husband Kevin of Reading. Beloved Grandpa Jim (GPJ) to Lindsay (Tierney) Summerfield and her husband Todd; Andrew, Brian and his wife Molly and Catherine Horne; Megan Sullivan; Kevin and Brendan Studley; Shannon and Cameron Rogers; Owen, Colin, Ryan and Nathan Mulvey; and great grandfather to Caitlin and Riley Summerfield and Joshua Horne. “Jimmy” was predeceased by his siblings Muriel York, Tommy, Irene, Billy, Johnny and his wife Alice Tierney. Loved by many nieces, nephews and cousins.
Jim was a graduate of Cambridge Rindge, Latin High School and Northeastern University. He served in the 101st Infantry National Guard for ten years and enjoyed a successful career at John Hancock Insurance Company for over 44 years. A rock and father figure to many, known for his strong Catholic faith, his quick Irish wit and his devotion to family and friends. His column for the Melrose Mirror, “Thoughts While Shaving” delighted readers for 15 years.
In retirement Jim started new hobbies such as caning, woodworking and making stained glass, leaving behind many pieces to treasure. His favorite moments were spent with family by the lakes in Conway and Meredith, NH. Jim and Barbara loved to travel especially to Ireland, Italy, Alaska and more. They particularly enjoyed cruising and saw the “Pyramids Along the Nile” as they danced to their favorite song, “You Belong to Me.” Jim’s kindness and humor raised the spirits of all he met and he will be greatly missed.
Visiting hours from the Gately Funeral Home, 79 W. Foster St., in Melrose were on Wednesday, November 8 from 4 to 7 p.m. Family and friends were invited to gather at the Gately Funeral Home on Thursday, November 9 at 10 a.m. followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at St. Mary Of The Annunciation Church, 4 Hebert St., Melrose at 11 a.m. Interment Wyoming Cemetery, Melrose. In lieu of flowers, contributions in his memory may be made to St. Mary of the Annunciation Church, 4 Herbert St., Melrose, MA 02176 or Tufts Medicine Care at Home, 360 Merrimack Street, Suite 425, Lawrence, MA 01843, Attn: Development Office. For more information, visit www.gatelyfh.com.