James B. Tynan
The Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution announces with great sorrow the death of long time WHOI Volunteer James B. Tynan on November 7, 2023, with his loving family at his side. He was 88.
Jim was born on Valentine’s Day, February 14, 1935. He was the son of the late Edward and Myrtle Tynan. Jim was raised in Yonkers, NY. He graduated from Saunders Trade School where he trained as an electrician. James often spoke fondly of his years as an electrician, he found great satisfaction in working with his hands and continued to spend most of his life doing hands on projects in his spare time.
Jim later entered the Army. While stationed in Belmont, Mass., he discovered the beauty of Cape Cod, later returning to retire there.
After the army, he attended Oswego State Teachers College where he met Linda, his wife of 58 years. He graduated and worked as a social studies teacher and then a principal in the Central Valley NY school system.
In 1971, the family moved to Pittsfield, Massachusetts where Jim became a principal. He served as an elementary principal for 30 years, working at Egremont, Allendale, and Morningside schools. As a principal, he was known for his kind heart and gentle nature and was championed as an advocate for the “underdogs,” always working to find a way for all children to receive the education they deserved. Jim cherished his years in education and in reflecting on his career was quoted as saying, “I never felt like I was working. I was just doing what I loved.”
During his career at the Pittsfield Public schools, he twice served as Acting Assistant Superintendent. In the 1991-992 school year, Jim was asked to be a mentor-coordinator for the Danforth Foundation which was a leadership program for teachers. He spent the year at UMass Amherst working with future educational leaders.
Jim retired in 1996 and focused on his entrepreneur side. He owned several laundromats which kept him busy for many years until he fully retired and moved to Falmouth full time. There he and Linda created a beautiful home where his children and grandchildren loved to visit. The home is filled with great memories – grandkids spending time at the beach, playing wiffle ball in the backyard, and camping out in the bunkhouse.
During his retirement, he continued to give back to his community through volunteering. He volunteered for Meals on Wheels and was docent at the WHOI Discovery Center and a projectionist at Peanut Butter Club for 15 years. “Jim was and angel on earth and one of the sweetest people you could ever know. He was a dedicated volunteer and will be truly missed!” said Joanne Tromp, WHOI Volunteer Coordinator.
Jim and Linda have established a great group of friends during their years in Falmouth through Newcomers and Encore of Falmouth. Jim loved spending time with his friends: playing golf, curling, and poker. Participating in book club and watching sports. He had a special friendship with Paul O’Donnell who was with him every day this past year.
He will be truly missed by a family who loved him dearly. He will be remembered by them for his gentle, loving heart, compassion for others and selfless nature.
In addition to his wife Linda, Jim is survived by his four children; Jim Tynan and his wife Kathi, of Fayston, VT; Christine Koenemann and her husband Jamie, of Williston, VT; Sarah Sullivan and her husband Jeff of Canton, MA; and Kate Harding and her husband Chris of Vineyard Haven, MA. He was the loving grandfather of Reid, Kelly, and Erin Tynan; Patrick Murray, Lilah and Maggie Sullivan; Ryan and Shane Harding, and Tyler Koenemann. Jim’s grandchildren brought much pride and joy to him. He loved watching their school and sporting events.
Visitation will take place on Friday, November 10, 2023, from 4-6 p.m. at Chapman Funerals & Cremations, 584 West Falmouth Highway, West Falmouth. A Funeral Service will take place on Saturday, November 11, 2023, at 1 p.m. at the First Congregational Church, 68 Main Street, Falmouth, MA.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Falmouth Service Center.
Information for this obituary is from the Chapman Funeral Home website