JAMES ROBERT TIERNEY

James Robert Tierney “Catlow,” 71, passed away suddenly in Surprise, Arizona, Friday, December 13, 2019. He was born to James T. Tierney and Angela I. (Smith) Tierney of 106th Street, on August 29, 1948. He has one brother, Timothy Tierney, and one sister, Jan Marie Usher.

James graduated in Toledo from St. John the Baptist Grade School in Point Place and Woodward High School in 1966. He attended Toledo University.

He married Janet S. Gorny of Northbrook, Illinois, on July 24, 1971, at St. Mary’s Church in Buffalo Grove, Illinois.

James served his country as a naval ordinance man, Reserve Patrol Squadron 90, Naval Air Station, Glenview, Illinois, from October 1967 to March 1971. He was honorably discharged in October 1973.

He joined the Toledo Fire Department in 1972, and retired in 1997 from Fire Station 24, Point Place, his other home. James was known as “Mr. Personality.”

He was commander of the American Legion Post No. 512 in 1979, 1980, 1987, 1988 and 1989. He belonged to the American Legion dart ball team, “The Keystone Kops.”

He was a member of Ottawa River Yacht Club, “Trader Jim,” and enjoyed card runs, cruises and regattas. The best part of Toledo is the lake and fishing with friends. He belonged to the Michigan Sportsmen’s Club and Sandusky Bay Sportsmen’s Club. He loved shooting, especially cowboy action shooting, thus his alias “Catlow.” He was a posse marshal, helping everyone. He lived his dream and made many good friends along the way.

He loved his family and friends. James considered his friends extended family. He was there for them—a good man, husband, brother, uncle and friend. He lived his convictions.

James is survived by his wife, Janet; sister-in-law, Kris; nieces, Jamie Nowacki (Joseph), Erin Eidt (Kevin); nephew, Ryan Tierney (Lydia); grand-nephew, Joseph Nowacki; grand-niece, Isabella Nowacki; grandnephew, Connor Eidt; sister, Jan Marie Usher (Jeffrey); nephew, Jeffery J. Usher; niece, Jillian Usher (Tiffany); grand-niece, Emmah Usher; uncle, Bill Davis, and many cousins.

The memorial of his life will be held Saturday, July 24, at St. John the Baptist Church, 5153 Summit Street, Toledo. Last Call by the Toledo Fire Department will be at 9:45 a.m., followed by Mass at 10 a.m. The American Legion service will be held at St. Joseph’s Cemetery, Erie, Michigan, at the corner of Cemetery and Erie roads, around 11:30 a.m. A luncheon will follow at the VFW hall at 1944 East Erie Road, Erie.

His wife, Janet, wishes to thank the VFW in Erie for the use of their hall, St. John the Baptist, Father Bill and all the family and friends who helped with the arrangements, etc.

Anyone wishing to make a donation should consider veterans, USO, St. Jude or a charity of the donor’s choice.

“One life can make a difference.”