James P. Tierney Jr.

James P. Tierney Jr.

Former West Penn Township Police Chief James P. Tierney Jr., 87, of New Ringgold, passed away peacefully on Monday, May 26, 2025, in the St. Luke's Hospital, Carbon Campus, Franklin Township. He is survived by his devoted wife of 35 years, Carol (Shaellhamer) Tierney.

Born on April 12, 1938, in Scranton, he was a son of the late James P. Tierney Sr. and Mary (McDonald) Tierney.

A proud veteran, Jim served honorably in the U.S. Army before embarking on a distinguished law enforcement career. He began as a patrolman in Kutztown, later serving as Chief of Police in Topton, Maiden Creek and West Penn Township. He dedicated over 30 years to public safety, including 16 years as Police Chief in West Penn Township before retiring.

Retirement didn't slow Jim down. He enjoyed a second career as a truck driver for Stegmeier Trucking and Wos-Wit Farms.

A passionate antique car collector, he and Carol spent countless hours showing their beloved Model A and other classic cars at local events. Their greatest joy, however, was traveling cross-country – twice - on Jim's Harley-Davidson motorcycle, creating memories they cherished.

Jim was a proud member of the Schuylkill/Carbon Fraternal Order of Police Lodge. He believed in policing with compassion, preferring to de-escalate situations with humor rather than intimidation. Known for his endless supply of jokes, Jim had a gift for bringing laughter and light to those around him.

Surviving in addition to his widow are sons, James P. "Ryk" Tierney III and Scott L. Neifert (wife Nadine); daughters, Kimberly Letts (husband Robert) and Joann S. Kasel; and his sister, Mary Jane Tierney. He was a proud grandfather to Joseph and Jordan Laubach, Tyler Tierney, Colton Johannides, Joshua Pippetti (wife Jamie), James Pippetti, Amy Jo Pippetti, Vicki Putnam, Sabrina Kasel, Zane Kasel and Abigail and Zachary Letts. Jim was also blessed with 14 great-grandchildren.

He was also preceded in death by his daughter, Wanda Joy Carol (Neifert) Johannides; brothers, Jerry and Thomas Tierney; and sisters, Barbara Tierney and Patricia Reddington.

Service: Funeral service 11 a.m. Friday, May 30, Robert S. Nester Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 2066 W. Penn Pike, New Ringgold, with the Rev. Russell Campbell officiating. Interment with full military honors, Zion Stone Church Cemetery, New Ringgold. Call 9:30-11 a.m. Friday. In lieu of flowers, contributions in huis name may be made to Zion's Stone Church of W. Penn Twp. Online condolences and memories of Jim may be shared at www.griffithsfuneralhomes.com.