James Michael Tierney

Tierney, James Michael ALBANY James Michael Patrick Tierney passed into eternal life on Wednesday, July 13, 2022. Jim was born on October 20, 1934, in Albany, the son of the late Ellen (Cleary) and James M. Tierney. He attended the former Cathedral Academy Grammar School where he was an altar boy. He graduated from Cathedral High School in 1953. He attended Cathedral Academy for 13 years (K-12). He was taught by the good sisters of Saint Joseph of Carondelet. He was a defensive lineman on the 1952 Cathedral Academy once-beaten football team. Jim served his country in the U.S. Army from 1957 - 1959. He did basic training at Fort Gordon, Ga. and then served three months in Atlanta, Ga. working at a military IBM facility. He was then assigned to Camp Zama, Japan, in their IBM facility until his discharge. For 31 years, he was the treasurer of the Albany Chapter of The Compassionate Friends. An organization that was most helpful to Grace (his late beloved wife) and Jim when their daughter Kathy died. Jim is survived by his children, Michael of Albany and Michele of Menands; as well as his granddaughter, Amanda Tierney-Morton (Chris) of Toronto; his great-grandson, Raphael; his brother, Joseph (Diane) of Loudonville; his sister, Karen (late Leo) of Halfmoon and many nieces, nephews and cousins. Sadly Jim's wife Grace passed away on July 9, 2011. Their daughter Kathy died in 1982. Both are missed with deep sadness but always remembered with everlasting love. Jim was also predeceased by two sisters, Mary Tierney Bullinger and Anne Tierney Ford; and his brother John. A song that Jim treasured was "Annie's song" written by John Denver for his wife Annie. Jim said, "Grace is my Annie." The song is sung by John Denver and Irish tenor Frank Patterson. Jim was an avid runner having completed 36 marathons and hundreds of other road races. His best performance in 2:59:08. An article in the Times Union read: "Perhaps the single outstanding performance of the day belonged to the 51-year-old Jim Tierney who ran 2:59.08." It was some nine minutes under his personal best when few others could match their PB. He was given the Distinguished Service in 1999. He was inducted in the Hudson Mohawk Road Runners Club Hall of Fame in 2009. Jim was an active member of Christ the King Roman Catholic Church. He worked for IBM for 37 years in Poughkeepsie, Kingston, Sterling Forest, and Mahwah. He had a successful career. He often said his career was a success in part because he was always dependable, hardworking and had a good attitude and the ability to get along well with others. Jim was a member of the IBM Quarter Century Club and the AOH (Ancient Order of Hibernians) an Irish Organization. Relatives and friends are invited to visit with Jim's family on Tuesday, July 19, from 4 to 7 p.m. at the McVeigh Funeral Home, 208 North Allen St., Albany. Please enter the funeral home from the rear parking lot entrance only. The parish family will gather at 4:30 p.m. for a service of prayer and remembrance. All are welcome. Funeral services on Wednesday, July 20, at 10 a.m. in Christ the King Church, Westmere, where his funeral Mass will be celebrated. The Rite of Committal will be held in Our Lady of Angels Cemetery immediately following the Mass where Jim will be laid to rest next to his beloved wife Grace and daughter Kathy. To leave a message for the family please visit www.McveighFuneralHome.com