Funeral and Memorial Scholarship Information

Jim Tierney passed into eternal life on July 9, 2022 after a sixteen year long battle with metastatic melanoma. He passed away at home, surrounded by family and friends after a short period of hospice. He is survived by his wife Kendra, his ten children aged 2-20, his parents Jim and Marita, and his siblings Jeanne and Patrick.

The Jim Tierney Memorial Scholarship Fund

Jim was a longtime member of the board of Saint Monica Academy, a classical Catholic school in Montrose, California, and a beloved member of the SMA community. Jim’s two oldest children graduated from SMA, and four more will continue to attend. Jim believed in the SMA mission with his whole heart, because he saw the fruits of it in his family and his community.

At the request of the Tierney family, the board of St. Monica Academy has established the Jim Tierney Memorial Scholarship Fund. This endowment will honor Jim’s legacy and keep his memory alive for many years to come.

In lieu of flowers and gifts, the Tierneys ask that you consider making a tax-deductible donation to this endowment. To do so, click here to go to the St. Monica Academy website, click the “Donate Now!” button, and enter “Jim Tierney Memorial Scholarship Fund” in the comments section where you check out.

From Jim’s Brother, Patrick

My brother Jim passed away yesterday, surrounded by family and friends, after a sixteen-year battle with cancer. As such, I thought I’d take this opportunity to take a victory lap in honor of a man who lived a life of heroic virtue. Jim Tierney is hands down one of the best men the Southside of Chicago ever produced. Scholar-athlete, U.S. Marine, patriot, captain of industry, husband and father, man of faith. He was the valedictorian of his high school class at Mt. Carmel and a two-time football state champion. He graduated summa cum laude from Harvard University, where he played for a year on its football team and also lettered in JV lacrosse. He went into the U.S. Marine Corps, where he served as a field artillery officer, reaching the rank of captain. He was beloved by his men as well as respected and admired by his peers and superior officers. After the Marine Corps, he graduated from Stanford Business School, owned and operated his own business, and was most recently the Chief Innovation Officer and Chief Operating Officer for Exer Urgent Care.

More importantly, he was the devoted husband of Kendra and loving father of 10 children – Jack, Betty, Bobby, Gus, Anita, Frankie, Lulu, Mary Jane, George, and Barbara. People often thought Kendra and him were crazy to have so many kids, but Jim and Kendra always held that the biggest families were the happiest. Jim’s faith was inspirational. In a time when the world seems to be collapsing on itself, Jim took solace in the tenants of his Catholic faith. He was a strong advocate for it and inspiring witness to it. He saw the mysterious beauty in our faith and eloquently motivated others to see that beauty. He is a huge reason why I have held my commitment to the Church.

Before he left this world, Jim made sure to receive the sacraments of Reconciliation, Holy Eucharist, and Last Rites. He died wearing his brown scapular, the garment of Our Lady that he maintained a devotion to for his entire life. His last words on this earth were, “Yes,” in response to the priest’s inquiry if he was ready to receive the Eucharist… a lesson before dying to inspire us all. Rest in peace, big bro. Love you.

St Andrew’s Church: 311 N Raymond Ave, Pasadena, CA 91103

Mountain View Cemetery: 2400 N Fair Oaks Ave, Altadena, CA 91001

Tierney Home: 2909 Lake Ave Altadena CA, 91001