Obituary of James Ernest Pierce

James Ernest Pierce passed away peacefully on January 29, 2024 in Tucson Arizona at the age of 60, after a lifetime of challenges.  In true ‘Jim fashion’, he fought hard until the end and left this world on his terms, with strength and dignity.  

Born in Greenville, South Carolina, Jim is survived by his beloved wife, Tammy (Bortz) Pierce, of Tucson Arizona, stepson Troy (Colleen) Simiele, of Syracuse, New York, stepdaughter Ashley Simiele, of Tucson Arizona, and was the baby brother to his two sisters, Deborah (Michael) Ortiz of Cary, North Carolina, and Ellie (John) Reece, of Mooresville, North Carolina.  He was also the stepson of Pauline Pierce, of Leesburg, Florida, and was adored by many family members and lifelong friends.  

Jim is preceded in death by his father, Harvey Pierce of Leesburg, Florida and Mother, Marlene (Spare) Pierce of Cary, North Carolina.

Although Jim spent his entire adult life in a wheelchair, he was a man of many accomplishments.  From the job he loved and worked extremely hard at, to being a two-time Paralympian in the sport of wheelchair curling, whatever Jim pursued, he pursued it hard and with great determination. He was especially proud of his 7-year Wheelchair Curling career.  He first appeared in the 2005 world championships in Braehead, Scotland.  Shortly after this appearance, he qualified for the 2006 USA Paralympics in Torino Italy.  He then appeared in 3 more World Wheelchair Championship events before making his way to the Paralympic stage again for the 2010 Winter Paralympics in Vancouver Canada.  In 2011 Jim met the love of his life and retired from his curling career after one last World event in Prague, Czech Republic.  Finally, in September 2016, Jim received a lifetime achievement award from the US Paralympics and USA Curling for his “exceptional contribution, dedication and development to the paralympic sport of curling”.

Jim was a fearless adventurer, but of all his adventures, he would tell you that his marriage to Tammy was the best decision he ever made.

An open house-type Celebration of Life will be held at:

Desert Hope Lutheran Church

7474 E.  Speedway, Tucson, Arizona 

4:00pm - 7:00pm on March 1, 2024

All are welcome to attend.