James Joseph Tigges, a.k.a. Ernie, aged 76, peacefully went home to be with the Lord on Tuesday, October 8, 2024, at Mercy Hospital in Dubuque, Iowa.

Visitation will be held from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Friday October 11, 2024 at Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road, with a Memorial Service starting at 6:00 p.m.

Born on April 2, 1948, Jim was the beloved son of Gerald and Stella Tigges, husband of Julie Tigges, father to Adam Tigges (Michele) and Luke Tigges (Brooke), and faithful servant of Jesus Christ. Jim received a computer programming degree at Scott Community College and pursued a career in payroll management. In his retirement, he was also part of the team at Turpin Dodge in Dubuque, where he worked part-time, always bringing a little extra Iowa Hawkeye spirit to the workplace. An avid softball coach, Jim would rally the team with everyone’s favorite, “A little fire, little chatter, little rat-a-tat-tat!”

Jim married Julianne Loney on December 15, 1973, celebrating 50 happy years together. Their love and commitment to each other were a constant source of joy and inspiration to their family.

Most importantly, Jim’s greatest passion was teaching Sunday school. His trademark question, “Who loves you?” was asked to many kids over the years, and even now, as adults, they still answer with the same response: “Jesus!” It was a simple yet powerful reminder of Christ’s enduring love that Jim enjoyed sharing with every generation.

Jim is survived by his wife, Julie; his sons, Adam (Michele) and Luke (Brooke); his sisters, Betty McGovern and Linda Medley; his brothers-in-law, Dave Loney (Lori), Dan Loney (Cindy), Rod Loney (Cathy), John Loney (Nair), and sisters-in-law, Chris Schmidt (Cai) and Mary Loney-Bichell (Ken); his grandchildren and great-grandchildren: Gabriella, Abigail, Allison, Olivia, Ruth, Josie, Derik, Emma, Trever, Lilyan, Eva, Drake, Kyllian, and an unnamed great-grandson; his dear friend, Bill White; and many nieces and nephews. Jim’s legacy will live on in the hearts of those who loved him and in the memories of those who knew him best.

Jim is preceded in death by his father, Gerald Tigges; his mother, Stella Tigges; his father-in-law, Earl Loney; his mother-in-law, Evelyn Loney; his brother, Mike Tigges; his brother-in-law, Terry McGovern; his nephew, Todd McGovern; and a great-granddaughter.

A separate celebration of life ceremony will be held Friday, October 18, 2024 at 3:00 PM at 14877 Hwy 20 West, East Dubuque, IL, behind Tri-State Pool & Spa.

In lieu of flowers, a Jim Tigges memorial fund has been established.

Psalm 86:5

“For thou, Lord, art good, and ready to forgive; and plenteous in mercy unto all them that call upon thee.” (KJV)