James Walter 'James W. Mctiernan' Mctiernan

James died on May 24, 2012, at home in Oklahoma City surrounded by his wife Phyllis and family. He was born August 17, 1922, in Brooklyn, New York to Irish immigrants Mary Ellen (Dolan) and Edward McTiernan. He was the youngest of four siblings. James graduated from St. Francis Preparatory School in 1940. He served in the U.S. Army Air Forces during World War II and was honorably discharged as a corporal in 1946. During his service in the Army he was stationed at Will Rogers Field in Oklahoma City where, at a USO dance, he met Vasta Lee Sudberry. They were married in 1945 and settled in OKC where they raised 6 children. After the war he enrolled at the University of Oklahoma but then transferred to Iowa State College where he graduated with a degree in engineering in 1949. They were happily married until Vasta's death in 1986. He married Phyllis Crow Patterson on December 22, 1988, and was adopted by her two daughters, Sydney and Phoebe. Constant companions, James and Phyllis spent 23 years enjoying life together. While his early plans envisioned becoming an industrial engineer, he spent most of his working life in the oil and gas business, right up until his final days. His career spanned six decades weathering the ups and downs of the oil & gas business with determination, resilience, integrity and daring. A true wildcatter. A life-long member of the Roman Catholic Church, he recalled as some of his happiest times his involvement with Monsignor Don Kanaly in the planning and construction of St. Patrick's Church at 18th and Portland Ave in Oklahoma City. Historic for its design and structure, the Church was built almost entirely by parishioners working evenings and weekends. He was formerly a member of St. Eugene's Church and was a current member of Christ the King Church. He was inducted into the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem, where he obtained the rank of Knight of the Grand Cross. He was predeceased by his first wife Vasta L. McTiernan, his brother Charles E. McTiernan, sisters Mildred Kennedy and Kathleen Plubell, and his grandson Ryan Spohr. He is survived by his wife Phyllis, daughter Karen Spohr and her husband Michael of San Marcos, California, daughter Marca January, son Patrick McTiernan, and his wife April of Oklahoma City, son Michael K. McTiernan, and his wife Connie, of Guthrie, Oklahoma, son James W. McTiernan, Jr., and his wife Karen, of Edmond, Oklahoma, son John E. McTiernan, and his wife Elaine of Madill, Oklahoma. He is also survived by Phyllis' family, whom he loved as his own, including daughter Phoebe Sumner of Vinita, Oklahoma and daughter Sydney Farris and her husband David of Oklahoma City. He is also survived by 20 grandchildren, and 4 great-grandchildren. The family wishes to thank Dr. V. Ramgopal for his compassion and outstanding care during James' final months. The family would also like to thank Hospice of Oklahoma County, Providence Home Healthcare and Senior Care Services. A Mass of Christian Burial celebrating his life will be held on Thursday May 31st, 2012 at 11:00 am at Christ the King Church in Oklahoma City. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to the charity of your choice. He will be remembered for his charm, unique wit and graciousness.