Francis "Jim" James Tiernan, Sr.

Francis J Tiernan, Sr. “Jim” age 77 passed away unexpectedly at his son’s home on Sunday, February 2, 2020.  Jim was born in Munising, Michigan on May 15, 1942, as the oldest of eleven children born to the late Emily “Jim” (Cobb) Tiernan and Francis “Pete” F. Tiernan.  He attended school in Munising until his family moved to Pontiac, Michigan.  As soon as he was able, Jim moved back to Upper Michigan where he spent the remainder of his life.

Jim was a strong and loyal worker for the Timber Products Company (formerly Cleveland Cliffs) for nearly 44 years. He began his career on July 22,1963, working his way up to sawmill superintendent/supervisor and retired on June 29, 2007.  Jim was a natural athlete and participated in many activities throughout his life. In his younger years he played basketball, hockey, horseshoes, and softball.  He also enjoyed bowling in which he achieved the coveted “300” game.  He was a dedicated Lions fan and thoroughly enjoyed watching any NFL game.  He loved being outside and was an avid hunter for many years. More than anything, Jim was a dedicated family man and a superb friend to many.  He showed his love for others by serving and helping with humility and kindness.

Jim married Argene Parkkila on October 5, 1963.  Together they converted the VanMeer School into a home to raise their four children, Francis “Jim” (Renee) J. Tiernan, Jr. of Shingleton, Mi; Sarah (Roy) Annelin of Sheboygan, WI; Andy G. Tiernan (Anne Cromell) of Munising, MI; and Jean K. Tiernan (Joe Guajardo) of Bartlett, IL.  He loved his eight grandchildren, Ashley Tiernan, Anthony “Tony” Tiernan, Colin Perry, Kylee Kidder, Caitlyn Kidder, Kelsey Kidder, Josephine “Josie” Annelin; James Annelin and his three great-grandchildren Lacey Tiernan, Emmett Welty, and Julian Tiernan.  He is further survived by his sister Ann Cassidy of Waterford, MI; brother Thomas “Tom” (Karen) Tiernan of Waterford, MI; sister Joan (Jack) Wade of Flint, MI; sister Carole “Hillbilly” DeLong of Columbia, TN; sister Chris Wyatt of Gladwin, MI;  brother Pete (Pat) Tiernan of Port Charlotte, FL, sister Nancy Bacon of Harrison, MI; brother David (Nancy) Tiernan of Davidson, MI. He is further survived by many nieces and nephews.  His daily visits with Argene, Larry Henry, Bob Schierschmidt, Bob and Martha Cobb, and Reg Boucher will be dearly missed.  As well as his parents, he is preceded in death by his brothers, Michael Tiernan and Joseph Tiernan, and brothers-in-law, Tom Cassidy, Ray DeLong, Art Wyatt, Sr.

Services for Jim will be held on Saturday, February 8, 2020.  The Tiernan family will greet family and friends at the Bowerman Funeral Home in Munising, Michigan, from 11:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m.   Pastor James Petersen will officiate Jim’s funeral service at 2:00 p.m.

A luncheon will be served at the Munising Township Hall (E9630 Prospect Street, Wetmore, MI  49895) following the service.

Jim’s children believe he earned the title of a “great man,”  and leave you with this quote,

“Lives of great men all remind us, we can make our lives sublime, and, departing, leave behind us, footprints on the sands of time.”

Henry Wadsworth Longfellow