James J. Tyrrell

He was born in Pawtucket , Rhode Island on March 9, 1922, and was the son of Mary Louise Burke and James J. Tyrrell. He was proud of his Irish and Wales ancestry.

One of six children, his sister Justine Smadbeck Priestley predeceased him. He was a graduate of Horace Mann School in Riverdale , New York , and Brown University , Class of 1945, in Providence , Rhode Island . He loved all sports and excelled in football, baseball, and basketball during his college years. His favorite times were playing basketball on the same team as his brother Pete.

Jim served in the US Army Air Corp for three years attaining the rank of Sergeant, and continued his love of baseball by being the best “southpaw” first baseman that ever played the sport (according to him).

After serving as the Executive Secretary of the Brown University Club in New York City , he began his career in advertising with Young & Rubicam Inc. His accounts included General Cigar, Chef Boyardee, the Peace Corps, 3M, and Time/Life magazines. Retiring at 65 as a Vice President, he began the most special time of his life.

He became “Grandpa Jim – Fan of the Year” for the Westhill High School softball team; he became “Mr. Wonderful” of the Neat Place to Eat at the Rehabilitation Center in Stamford; he was responsible for the “Pop Pop Fan Club” to Roxbury area families at the Roxbury Swim & Tennis Club, the Roxbury Nursery School, and the Friday Night Happy Hours; and he was “Our Hero” to his grandchildren and everyone else’s grandchildren; and he knew every leaf of every rhododendron at the Bartlett Arboretum as he worked with the Monday Men’s Group there. He was also a longtime member of the Blowhards, consisting of loyal Red Sox fans in New York City .

His favorite activity was in lighting and enjoying a good cigar.

Survivors include his wife, Sarah (Sally) Sikes Tyrrell, daughter Alice and husband, Jim Bazlen; son James and wife Pamela; son Lynn and wife Rachel. Also, his grandchildren, Kristin Sarah Bazlen, Robert James Bazlen, Matthew Lynn Tyrrell, Sarah Jean Tyrrell, Caitlyn Mary Tyrrell, and step granddaughter Brooke and husband Matthew Winkelman. Also, his sister Louise and husband Hank Kaczowka, sister Betsy and husband Bob Donahue, sister Ruth Joseph Morse, and brother George (Pete) and wife Jerry.

A longtime member (and former Trustee) of the First Presbyterian Church in Stamford, a Memorial Service will be held there on Saturday, November 20 at 1 PM with a reception to follow.

Arrangements were made by the Bouton & Reynolds Funeral Home,2900 Summer St., Stamford .