James TIERNEY

TIERNEY, James (Jim) Keating
James (Jim) Keating Tierney, 66, of Portland, CT passed away on July 12, 2013 at his cottage in Clinton, CT. He was the son of the late Vincent and Mary (Sullivan) Tierney of Portland. James was a life-long resident of Portland who was born on February 8, 1947. He graduated from Portland High School and The Hartford Institute of Accounting. For many years, he was employed by The Hartford National Bank in Manchester and East Hartford. Along with his brothers, he owned Tierney Brothers Package Store in Portland. Jim was very proud of his Irish heritage, and was named the Hibernians' Irishman of the Year in 2005. As a young man, Jim raced his car #44 at the Waterford Speed Bowl, developed a love of NASCAR racing, and became a member and sponsor of the Etheridge Racing Team. Each February for 30 years, Jim attended the Daytona 500 in Florida. He was also an avid fan of the NY Yankees and the NY Giants. He was a parishioner of St. Mary's Church of Portland, a member of The Portland Volunteer Fire Department Co. No. 3 and later The Portland Fire Police. He was also a member of The CT Cellar Savers Fire Museum, The St. Francis Society, The Middletown Elks Lodge #771, and The Ancient Order of Hibernians. Jim is survived by a sister Eileen, her husband Carl, and their son William of Glastonbury; a brother Tom, his wife Peggy, and their sons Michael and Patrick of Portland; a brother Jack, his wife Gerri, and their children Melissa and her partner Meghan, Frank, Calee, and Julee of Cromwell and Portland. He is also survived by a long time friend Maria Easter, several cousins, and many friends.
Visiting hours will be held on Tuesday, July 16 from 4 to 8 p.m. at The Portland Memorial Funeral Home 231 Main St., Portland. On Wednesday, July 17, the funeral procession will form at 10 a.m. at the funeral home followed by an 11 a.m. Mass of Christian burial at St. Mary's Church. Burial will follow at St. Mary's Cemetery. The family wishes to express their deep appreciation to the Clinton Fire and Police Departments for the respect shown to them during a very difficult time. Memorial donations can be made to The CT Cellar Savers, 634 Main St., Portland, CT, The Portland Fire Department, 33 East Main St., Portland, CT, The Clinton Fire Department, 35 East Main St., Clinton, CT., or to St. Mary's Church, 51 Freestone Ave., Portland, CT. To send an online expression of sympathy, please visit www.portlandmemorialfh.net.