James D. Tiernan, age 77, of Portsmouth, passed away on Wednesday, November 22, 2023 at Boston Medical Center surrounded by his loving family. He was the beloved husband of Lorna (Elliott) Tiernan to whom he had been married 50 years.
Born in Newport, a son of the late James E. and Mary Alice (Roche) Tiernan, Jim graduated from Rogers High School, Class of 1965, and joined the United States Army, serving his country proudly during the Vietnam War.
Jim worked for Tallman and Mack Fishing Co. before working independently as a Commercial Lobsterman for 10 years. He spent many years after retirement at his beloved boat where he continued fishing for lobsters recreationally. He joined the Laborer’s Union, Local #271, working 21 years on many major building projects throughout the state of Rhode Island. Jim attended church at Portsmouth United Methodist Church and in later years, United Congregational Church in Middletown.
Besides his cherished wife, Jim is survived by one daughter, Jennifer Ouellette and her spouse Jamie of Bristol; one son, Matthew Tiernan and his spouse Erica of Hopkinton; one brother, Daniel Tiernan and his spouse Debbie of VT; two sisters, Marjorie Ottilege and her spouse Robert of Coral Gables, FL and Joan Coleman and her spouse James of Punta Gorda, FL; five grandchildren, Nathan, Rachel and Jack Ouellette, Matthew and Abby Tiernan as well as many nieces, nephews and grand-nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be held on Saturday December 2, 2023 from 10:00 am to 11:30 am in the United Congregational Church, 524 Valley Rd., Middletown, RI followed by a Funeral Service at 11:30 am. Relatives and friends are invited. Burial will be private. In lieu of flowers, donations in Jim’s honor may be made to Aquidneck Land Trust, 790 Aquidneck Ave., Middletown, RI 02842 or to United Congregational Church, 524 Valley Rd., Middletown, RI 02842.
