Photo courtesy of Ruggiero Funeral Home, LLC - Pen Argyl
Pen Argyl, Pennsylvania
Aug 14, 1942 – Feb 24, 2025
James Edward Tiernan, 82, of Pen Argyl passed away on Monday, February 24, 2025 in Orange Park, FL.
Born in Jersey City, NJ on August 14, 1942, he was the son of the late Hugh and Dorothy (Wallace) Tiernan.
Jim was a 1960 graduate of Leonia High School and a 1964 graduate of East Stroudsburg State Teachers College (current day East Stroudsburg University), where he also earned his master’s degree.
His career as an educator, coach, and athletic director spanned over 40 years at Pen Argyl High School, Moravian Academy, and Lafayette College. Jim’s achievements included induction into the Lehigh Valley Wrestling Hall of Fame, Pen Argyl High School Athletic Hall of Fame, and the Moravian Academy Athletic Hall of Fame. Several generations throughout the Lehigh Valley have benefited from Jim’s passions for teaching, coaching and mentoring students and athletes.
Known as Jimmy T. by many who loved him, he embraced life and had many interests. He was an avid golfer, loved music and sang in several choral groups. While spending time with their beloved family and friends was always a priority, he and his loving partner, Geri, enjoyed traveling to many places, especially their favorite destination, Bethany Beach.
In addition to his partner of 26 years, Geraldine Higgins of Bethlehem, Jim is survived by his two sons and daughters-in-law, Sean and Trish of Effort, PA and Ryan and Kristen of Jacksonville, FL.; Molly Higgins; his seven grandchildren Rebecca, Gabriel, Connor, Morgan, Maddox, Connor and Ava; and seven siblings, John, Barbara, Virginia, Patricia, Dorothy, Peggy, and Michael.
Services will be held on Saturday, May 17th at Pen Argyl High School’s auditorium, 501 W. Laurel Avenue, Pen Argyl. Visitation will be held from 9 AM until 11 AM with main service immediately following. Burial services will be held at St. Elizabeth’s Cemetery in Pen Argyl after main service. The Ruggiero Funeral Home, LLC, Pen Argyl is in charge of arrangements.
Online condolences may be offered at www.ruggierofuneralhome.com.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be offered to the Pen Argyl Area Alumni Association (PAAA) P.O. Box 328, Pen Argyl, PA 18072 or to the Pen Argyl Area School District, C/O Tim Egan, Athletic Director, Pen Argyl, PA 18072 to benefit Pen Argyl High School athletics.
Read MoreJim and his family were our family. He and his will live forever in our hearts.
Hugh Ronalds
May 16, 2025 | Pen Argyl, TX | Family
Dedicated , caring , respectful teacher and athletic director. As the PAASD Superintendent, I had the pleasure to work with Mr Tiernan regarding important professional, academic and athletic endeavors. In addition , I also considered him to be a friend as well as a colleague. His engaging smile and personality told all one needed to know how much he loved his life and his love for the Pen Argyl Area School District. Simply put , he was a good man.
William Haberl
May 16, 2025 | Bethlehem, PA | Coworker
I had the pleasure to work with Jim at the high school. He truly loved his job,, whether in the classroom or supervising the athletic program and his zest spilled over to his students. Sincere sympathy on his passing to Sean, Ryan and the entire Tiernan family.
Bernadette Metzgar
March 27, 2025
What a truly admirable teacher. I´ll always remember him standing in the hallway of Pen Argyl High. You touched many lives.My deepest condolences go out towards family and friends. Shelly Riley Mensch (former student)
Shelly Riley Mensch
March 24, 2025 | Other
Thoughts and prayers with the Tiernan family. He touched many lives as an educator and a times a force to be reckoned with. May he rest in peace. Patty (Guszak) Ondilla
Patty(Guszak)Ondilla
March 23, 2025 | School
Mr. Tiernan, You were such an amazing teacher, coach, motivational speaker and full of compassion. As a former Pen Argyl athlete and student of yours, I have far too many memories of your sense of humor and in class and in the Wrestling room to share. The one quote that has stayed with me for my entire life, is when our Wrestling team would be running outside in the streets of Pen Argyl, and you would drive by in your Mazda Miata and say "Gentleman, if you call yourselves athletes of Pen...
Peter Thomas
March 23, 2025
Dear Ryan, Kristen, Sean, Trish, Geri and all of Jim´s family My deepest condolences to you all at this time of great loss. It is a loss for many friends and colleagues as well. Jim was truly bigger than life. He guided many with his kindness and wisdom. For me , between he and Ed , they truly were a great support to me during all the years we worked together . Our family Lafayette - Lehigh Tailgates will miss his presence immensely. Thanks Jim for your years of dedication to our...
Karin Curcio
March 21, 2025 | Friend
Sincere condolences. A tree will be planted in Jim’s memory. This is from me (Paula Ruddock) and Richard and Cindy Magenheimer.
Aunt Paula Cousin Richard and Cindy
March 21, 2025 | Newtown Square, PA
Our sincere sympathies thoughts and prayers are with Geraldine and Jim´s entire family. I first met "Irish" in graduate school at East Stroudsburg and we became instant friends. An outstanding educator and mentor to thousands of students. Dear friend "May the road rise up to you and the wind always be at your back, the rain fall softly on your fields and the sun shine warm on your face and until we met again May God hold you in the palm of his hand."
Rich and Gina Grucela
March 20, 2025 | Friend
