James Lawrence Tierney

Colonel James L. Tierney, 82, died peacefully at Inova Fairfax Hospital in Virginia on February 10, 2021. He courageously battled multiple myeloma for several years. A US Army veteran of the Vietnam War, where he was awarded the Bronze Star for valor, he also had commands at Camp Ames, South Korea as well as Sierra Army Depot in Herlong, CA. James Tierney was born on January 3, 1939 in Spokane, WA to Bernard and Amalie (Molly) Tierney. He attended North Central High School and later graduated from Eastern Washington University with a degree in mathematics. He later attended Arizona State University where he received his master’s degree in Engineering. Colonel Tierney was active in the ROTC program while attending EWU and enlisted in the US Army in 1961 upon graduation. He married his hometown sweetheart, Jerri Sullivan in 1961, which led to a life of moving to many duty locations (Massachusetts, Maryland, New Mexico, Italy, Vietnam, Kansas, Arizona, Panama, South Korea, Virginia, Alabama, and California). In 1991, Colonel Tierney retired from the military with 30 years of distinguished service. He embarked on his second career at TRW / Northrop Grumman working in the areas of Information Technology and Environmental Safety programs. He ultimately retired in 2006, and settled in Fairfax Station, VA. James lived a very full life. Having lost his own father at the age of 12, James became a revered role-model as father to his three boys. He was a dedicated family man, coaching his sons’ baseball teams, as well as attending every one of his kids’ sporting events. James had a great sense of humor, was an extreme fitness fanatic and always enjoyed annual family vacations to South Carolina, Florida and Nevada. Colonel Tierney is survived by his loving wife, Jerri; James and Kristi Tierney of Woodinville, WA; John and Loree Tierney of Front Royal, VA; and Joseph and Wendy Tierney of Viera, FL; seven grandchildren, Ryan, Rhett, Lauren, Reece, Keiley, Megan and Shannon; and many nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his brother Jack; mother Molly; and father Bernard. Viewing will be on Thursday, March 4th, 2021 from 4-6 pm, at Demaine Funeral Home located at 5308 Backlick Road in Springfield, VA 22151. Colonel Tierney will be interred at Arlington National Cemetery at a future date.