James Matthew Tierney, 84, of Pentwater, died Monday, October 27, 2008. He was born in Birmingham, Michigan, May 30th, 1924, to Francis and Sarah Jamison Tierney originally of Belfast, Northern Ireland. He grew up in the Detroit area as one of eight children. Upon graduating from Clawson High School, he served in the Army Signal Corps, as a Second Lieutenant. After World War II, he attended Michigan State University, graduating with a degree in economics. He married his much beloved wife, Ann, on June 6th, 1959 and lived and worked in the Chicago and Detroit metropolitan areas in the life insurance industry for more than two decades. He dearly loved Pentwater, initially as a part-time resident, finally making Pentwater his year-round home in 1986. He felt Pentwater was the most beautiful place on earth, and he could be found, most evenings, watching the sun set over Lake Michigan.
Not one for retirement, he continued to work as a realtor in Pentwater, for Anchor Realty/Coldwell Banker. He loved meeting and talking with people and his work allowed him to continue to make new friendships. He had many friendships in the community and those that knew him will remember him as a kind and generous man, with a wonderful sense of humor. He is survived by his wife, Ann, and two loving sons, James, of Chicago, Illinois, and Daniel, of Seattle, Washington. Also surviving are his brother John Tierney, of Rochester Hills, Michigan, and many nieces and nephews in Detroit, New Orleans, and London, England. He is preceded in death by his parents, Francis and Sarah Tierney, his brothers, Francis, Thomas, Patrick, Mel, William, and sister, Grace. He will be dearly missed. The Mass of Christian Burial will be held Saturday, November 1, 2008 at 1:00 P.M. from St. Vincent's Catholic Church-Pentwater, with Fr. Anton Tran presiding. Interment will be in the Pentwater Township Cemetery. A memorial gathering for family and friends will be Friday from 6-8 P.M. at the Tate-King Funeral Home. For those wishing, memorial contributions can be made to the Andre' Bosse Center, The St. Vincent Church fund, or other charity of one's choosing.