October 9, 2023

James Paul Tyrrell

James Paul Tyrrell, Alexandria, Virginia, passed away peacefully after complications from cancer on October 9, 2023.  He was born in Scranton, PA on January 18, 1955, and lived in Scranton during his early years.  He graduated from Bishop Hannon High School in Scranton, class of 1972 and attended Penn State University, majoring in electrical engineering.  In 1978 while in his early 20s, Jim moved to the Washington, DC area to pursue a career in software development and technology for government contractors, spanning 45 years.

Jim was passionate about history and politics and enjoyed attending lectures and book signings, amassing a diverse collection of memorabilia.  A lifelong sports fan, Jim remained devoted to Penn State football throughout his life and followed national baseball, football and basketball.  He appreciated a wide range of music, sharing his passion and interest for various genres with family and friends, and was fond of inviting his loved ones to enjoy concerts and performances by favorite Jazz, Classic Rock and Alternative artists. He adored his many nieces and nephews and enjoyed taking them around town during the Christmas holidays to see decorations and light displays on storefronts and homes.

Jim's quick wit and wide repertoire of humorous stories endlessly entertained everyone, delivered with perfect timing and a twinkle in his eyes. That, as well as his thoughtfulness and generosity, is what will most be remembered and missed about his presence.

Jim was preceded in death by his sister, Joanne T. Stambone, of Jessup; his brother, John C. Tyrrell, of San Jose CA; and his nephew, Justin Tyrrell, of Scranton, as well as his parents, John Charles, Sr., and Marion Catherine (Ackroyd) Tyrrell.

Jim is survived by his longtime partner, Taryn Egelanian; along with his loving family consisting of  his sister, Sharon (Tyrrell) Cardamone, of Jermyn; his brothers Joseph Tyrrell, of Leesburg, VA; William Tyrrell, Rockville, MD; Michael Tyrrell, of Great Falls, VA; and Francis Tyrrell, of Scranton; as well as a host of nieces and nephews, great nieces and nephews, and many cousins, from around the country.

Family and friends are welcome to celebrate Jim's life during visitation, from 4-6:30 PM Friday, October 20, at the Morell-LaBelle Funeral Home, 301 Chestnut Street, Dunmore, PA. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 AM on Saturday, October 21, 2023, at St. Paul's Church, 1510 Penn Ave., Scranton, PA. Burial will follow at Cathedral Cemetery, 1708 Oram Street, Scranton, PA. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Penn State University and St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

For donations to Penn State University:

Donate online via: Make a Gift to Penn State; Please search for Area to Support, then scroll down and check: Department of  Electrical Engineering General Scholarship in the College of Engineering.

Or please mail to:

Penn State Donor and Member Services

329 Innovation Blvd, Suite 311, State College, PA 16803

Please reference 'Department of Electrical Engineering General Scholarship in the College of Engineering' & In memory of James Tyrrell.

Please make check payable to: Penn State

For donations to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital:

Donate online via: raise.stjude.org/fundraiser/5033018

Or mail donation to: Memorial Giving: 501 St. Jude Place Memphis, TN 38105

Please note in check memo: In memory of James Tyrrell. Check payable to: St. Jude Children's Research Hospital