James F. Tierney

James F. Tierney

James Tierney Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on May 10, 2009.
TIERNEY Judge JAMES FRANCIS TIERNEY Formerly of McLean, Virginia, passed away at the age of 91 on Sunday, May 3, 2009 after a long bout with cancer in Hoover, AL. He was a member of of St. John''s Parish in McLean for 46 years. Judge Tierney was an administrative law judge with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) from 1969 to 1990. Prior to this appointment by the Nixon Administration, he had been a prosecuting attorney with the FCC since 1956. Judge Tierney retired in 1990, after which he began serving as an arbitrator for the DC Bar and NASD (now FINRA). He continued this work until two months before his death. Judge Tierney was the son of Robert and Margaret Tierney and was one of ten children growing up on the lower west side of New York City. He was a graduate of St. John''s University having earned his undergradute degree in Classical Languages in 1939 and his law degree in 1941. Judge Tierney served with the US Army during World War II as an intelligence officer. Upon discharge from active duty, he remained in the Reserves with the 310th Logistical Unit for 20 years, achieving the rank of Lt. Colonel. After the war, he remained in Germany with the State Department, overseeing the restructuring of IG Farben as well as acting as the legal investigator for the subsequent criminal trials of Farben''s company directors at Nuremberg. He is survived by his beloved wife, Gwen Tierney; four daughters, Patricia Wilson, Jeanne McConnell (Edward), Susan Frederick (Matthew), and Elizabeth Baun (Lawrence); his son, James Tierney, III (Kathryn); five grandchildren, Emily Arthur (Todd), Evan Baun, Devon Tierney, Stephanie Tierney, and Jenna Tierney; two sisters, Lorraine Bagley (Robert) and Doris Siemer (Herman). Interment will be in Arlington National Cemetery on July 30 at 9 a.m. Attendees meet at the Administration Building at 8:30 a.m. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the attention of Gift Processing, St. John''s University, 8000 Utopia Parkway, Queens, NY 11439. Interment will be in Arlington National Cemetery on July 30 at 9 a.m. Attendees meet at the Administration Building at 8:30 a.m. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the attention of Gift Processing, St. John''s University, 8000 Utopia Parkway, Queens, NY 11439.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Sign James Tierney's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

May 23, 2009

Someone posted to the memorial.

May 15, 2009

Kathy Tierney posted to the memorial.

May 12, 2009

Mark Peterson posted to the memorial.

May 23, 2009

Dear Jeanne and family,

My heart is with you at this time of loss. I just read the obituary of the man I always knew as "the judge" in the Post. There was so much there that I did not know about his life and I sit here now thinking that it reads like a script from a movie; he served his country in war and peace and built a beautiful family. I only knew him briefly but I lived with his daughter Jeanne for 2 years and I see her fine qualities in him as I read about his life. As I sit here writing from New Zealand on a very cold, late autumn night, I feel blessed that the Tierneys have touched my life. Blessings on you all...Tricia (Doyle) Corner

Kathy Tierney

May 15, 2009

I miss you Poppy. You have been my dad for the past 27 years and I am so gratful for that. Thanks for having your son Jim or I probably would never have gotten the pleasure of having you as a dad!! You are funny, smart, loving and very thoughtful of others. Thanks for loving me, Poppy. I miss you.

Mark Peterson

May 12, 2009

Just wanted to say I am sorry for your loss and I will always remember Judge Tierney as one of the nicest members of Seaside village. Sincerely Mark Peterson

Mary Madden

May 11, 2009

Dear Gwen, Jeanne, Susan, Lisa and Jimmy,

I have the fondest memories of Jim Tierney. He always welcomed me in his home, as did all of you...me being the distant cousin. He always remembered my Mom and Dad so fondly...truly loved my Dad. And for that, he will always have a special soft spot in my heart. As children, we heard the stories of our parents living in Washington DC...newly married. And the adventures of Pat, Margaret, Jim and Gwen. Jim...thank you for making sure my young Dad made it home okay from the Army/Navy game in Philadelphia. Mom and Gwen were being protected that evening by Ajax, the German understanding German Shepard. My poor Mom had such a hard time trying to speak German to him. He sounded like a great dog, belonging to a great guy.

Jim, the angels are smiling....you are among many friends. Say Hi to my Mom and Dad

Love to all the Tierneys,

Mary Madden

Richard Matheron,US Ambassador, (retired)

May 10, 2009

Jim was always bigger than life to me, but I know of no other man who was so well prepared for death. Our hearts go out to Gwen, Jeanne, Susan, Lisa, and Jimmy our profound sadness. Life will go on for them, but the void left by Jim's personality and caring can never be filled for any of us.

I have so many happy memories of times with Jim and Gwen and their kids. I first met Jim at the Grahams' in 1952 when he was helping me get an assignment to the ECA Mission to Germany. He was always ready to help me fathom my marital problems of the time as well as discuss the enormous problems facing our nation. Even more important, I always knew that I could show up any year, any month, any week, any day and count on warm shelter, good food, and good drink. We may have been at the opposite ends of the political spectrum way back then, but we always respected each other. Jim Tierney was truly a marvelous man.

Jean Baun

May 6, 2009

Dear Gwen and Family,

My deepest sympathy to all of you. Jim will be missed by many.

We enjoyed getting to know Jim and the family while we lived in McLean; and, Gwen, Dick and I always had fond memories of the times that we celebrated our shared anniversary date together.

Mishelle Baun

May 6, 2009

Judge Tierney was always so kind to us. He and Mimi made us feel like family when they opened their home to all of us Bauns, Lisa's dozens of in-laws.

In 2003, my daughter Kelsey and I stayed with them while attending the Women's World Cup. Kelsey told him she wanted to go to "Bull Run." He replied "You're in Virginia, dear. It's Manassas."

As he proceeded to give me directions, Kelsey had finished packing and loading our bags into the car. He was so impressed that a 13-year-old girl would do that without being asked. He told me that she was a "good daughter" and to remember that. I will Judge.

May you and your loved ones be at peace.

Mishelle, Bob, Arin and Kelsey Baun

Jim & Bobbi Drewiske

May 6, 2009

What a great legacy; Judge Tierney led a life full of service and accomplishment, and shaped such a wonderful family to carry on. You're in our thoughts and prayers.

Love, Jim & Bobbi, Emily, Aaron, Jeff & Katie Drewiske

Karen (Baun) Kostohris

May 5, 2009

Dear Tierney Family,
I am truely sorry for your loss. Please know of our thoughts and prayers for your family during this difficult season of loss. I remember Jim as joyful,generous and kind. He will be deeply missed!

Dan Baun

May 5, 2009

Gwen and Family,
You have our deepest sympathies. Our thoughts are with you during your time of sorrow. Judge Tierney was outstanding man who had an impact on many.

Dan, Linda, Lindsay and Darren Baun

Harold & Shirley Tisdell

May 5, 2009

Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
We are the parents of Linda Baun.

Michael Baun

May 5, 2009

Gwen and family,
My deepest and most heartfelt sympathies. Jim was a great man and a model for us all. I will always have very fond memories of him and the times we spent together. I enjoyed his humor and his stories, and I benefited greatly from his wisdom.

May 5, 2009

I will always remember Mr. Tierney and his beautiful wife Gwen when they participated in the "Nearly Newlywed" game at the Sweetheart dance held at Prince of Peace this past February 2009. They were great sports, and I will remember always their answer to the following question, "Where was your 1st kiss"? They both answered correctly, in Germany. What a lovely couple and grand tribute to marriage. Loving thoughts from The Ladies Knights of Columbus auxillary #11537 Prince of Peace church,
Jo-Ellen & Mark Karazim
Susan & Alive Allison
Jackie & Scott Turek
Tracey & Greg Williams
Lois & Bill Mores
Nancy & Fred Heffler
Mary Pat & Jim Pampu
Lynn & Brian Lett
and all members of the auxillary

Ronald E. Kahl

May 5, 2009

I am very sorry for your loss

Showing 1 - 14 of 14 results

Make a Donation
in James Tierney's name

How to support James's loved ones
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Poems of Mourning and Comfort

The best poems for funerals, memorial services, and cards.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief

Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.

Read more
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
Ways to honor James Tierney's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more

Sign James Tierney's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

May 23, 2009

Someone posted to the memorial.

May 15, 2009

Kathy Tierney posted to the memorial.

May 12, 2009

Mark Peterson posted to the memorial.