James “Jim” Edward Tierney passed away peacefully on October 12, 2025, at the age of 82. Rosary will be 6:00 PM on Wednesday, October 22nd at the McGilley & Hoge Chapel, 8024 Santa Fe Drive, Overland Park, Kansas, followed by Visitation from 6:15 PM - 8:00 PM. Mass of Christian Burial will be 9: 30 AM on Thursday, October 23rd at Our Lady of Good Counsel, 3934 Washington Street, Kansas City MO 64111. Graveside service will be at 12:30 PM on Thursday, October 23rd at Leavenworth National Cemetery, 150 Muncie Road, Leavenworth, Kansas. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer's Association Heart of America Chapter, 8001 Conser Street, Suite 240, Overland Park, Kansas, 66204 or to the Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758516, Topeka, Kansas 66675-8516.
Jim was born on October 22, 1942, in Independence, Missouri to Charles Tierney and Marguerite (Sullivan) Tierney. He grew up in Kansas City, Missouri and graduated from Rockhurst High School in 1959. He then entered General Motors Institute in Flint, Michigan. From there, he entered the Naval Aviation program where he earned his carrier jet pilot qualifications in 1964. During this time, he met “the girl next door” (literally), who became his loving wife of 59 years. Jim married Alexandra “Sandra” Piotrowski on September 9, 1966.
Jim was able to obtain his Bachelor of Arts in business administration from Rockhurst College, despite his fast-growing family. He spent the majority of his career working as a systems analyst/computer programmer, later retiring as a private consultant in logistics.
Jim was an avid car enthusiast and loved anything to do with car racing, especially Formula One. He also went through a sailing phase and was a member of the Perry Yacht Club for 20 years. He had a fascination with woodworking and was a member of the Kansas City Woodworkers’ Guild. Unfortunately for all his many tools, he enjoyed reading about woodworking a little more than actual woodworking!
Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Marguerite Tierney and brother, Michael Tierney. He is survived by his wife, Sandra Tierney; his children, Maureen (Russ) Sticha, Laura Tierney, Mark (Brooke) Tierney and Alexandra Tierney; his four grandchildren, Katie (Carson) Leetz-Reddick, Paige Foster and Jack and Ellie Sticha; his siblings, Maureen (Mike) Euston, Patrick (Linda) Tierney, Robert Tierney and Mary Tierney; and many nieces and nephews.
Jim was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather who will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered.
The family would like to express their heartfelt thanks to all the staff at The Madison Senior Living in Kansas City, Missouri, and to Monarch Hospice for the compassion and comfort provided during his final months.
