James P. Tierney Jr.

Former West Penn Township Police Chief James P. Tierney, Jr., 87, of New Ringgold, Pennsylvania, passed away peacefully on Monday, May 26, 2025, at St. Luke’s Carbon Campus in Lehighton.

Born on April 12, 1938, in Scranton, Pennsylvania, he was the son of the late James P. Tierney, Sr. and Mary (McDonald) Tierney. He was also preceded in death by his daughter, Wanda Joy Carol (Neifert) Johannides; brothers, Jerry and Thomas Tierney; and sisters, Barbara Tierney and Patricia Reddington.

Jim is survived by his devoted wife of 35 years, Carol (Shellhamer) Tierney; his sons, James P. "Ryk" Tierney III and Scott L. Neifert (wife Nadine); daughters, Kimberly Letts (husband Robert) and Joann S. Kasel; his sister, Mary Jane Tierney. He was a proud grandfather to Joseph and Jordan Laubach, Tyler Tierney, Colton Johannides, Joshua Pippetti (wife Jamie), James Pippetti, Amy Jo Pippetti, Vicki Putnam, Sabrina Kasel, and Zane Kasel, and Abigail and Zachary Letts. Jim was also blessed with 14 great-grandchildren.A proud veteran, Jim served honorably in the United States Army before embarking on a distinguished law enforcement career. He began as a patrolman in Kutztown, later serving as Chief of Police in Topton, Maiden Creek, and West Penn Township. He dedicated over 30 years to public safety, including 16 years as Police Chief in West Penn Township, before retiring.

Retirement didn’t slow Jim down. He enjoyed a second career as a truck driver for Stegmeier Trucking and Wos-Wit Farms. A passionate antique car collector, he and Carol spent countless hours showing their beloved Model A and other classic cars at local events. Their greatest joy, however, was traveling cross- country—twice—on Jim’s Harley-Davidson motorcycle, creating memories they cherished.  Jim was a proud member of the Schuylkill/Carbon Fraternal Order of Police Lodge. He believed in policing with compassion, preferring to de-escalate situations with humor rather than intimidation. Known for his endless supply of jokes, Jim had a gift for bringing laughter and light to those around him.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, May 30, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at the Robert S. Nester Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Inc., 2066 West Penn Pike, New Ringgold, PA 17960. Rev. Russell Campbell will officiate. Friends may call at the funeral home on Friday morning from 9:30 a.m. until the time of service.

Interment with full military honors will follow at Zion Stone Church Cemetery, New Ringgold.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Jim’s name to Zion’s Stone Church of West Penn Township.

Online condolences and memories of Jim may be shared at www.griffithsfuneralhomes.com.