James E. Tambash

OLEAN — James E. Tambash, of Olean, passed away Sunday (June 7, 2026_.

Born in Bradford, Pa. on March 24, 1947, he was the son of Neal Tambash and Irene Mosch Tambash.

Jim attended Olean High School, where he met his high school sweetheart who later became his wife, Mary Kay Tambash, who survives.

He served in the U.S. Army, reaching the rank of Sgt E-5. He is a former police lieutenant who served the City of Olean for 21 years and retired as head of the investigation division.

During the 1974 Olean High School shooting, then Sgt. Tambash alongside Lt. Filjones, braved incoming fire to rescue two wounded Olean firefighters. This act of bravery earned them national recognition, including a feature in a later edition of Readers Digest. Also, during that time, he was a New York State fire investigator.

Jim attended the FBI Academy Special Tactical Firearms School and the specialized School of Advanced Criminology for Law Enforcement. He was later an Olean City Court security officer. Jim was also past disaster chairman and chairman of the board of the Olean Chapter American Red Cross.

He received the Distinguished Service Award 1979 from the Olean Area Jaycees. He is a past Worthy President of the then Olean Fraternal Order of Eagles and an honorary life member of the Pulaski Club and life member of the Dempsey Club. Jim was a proud member of the Olean American Legion where he served on many committees. He also served as chaplain and vice commander.

Surviving are two daughters, Katherine Tambash and Theresa Tambash; two brothers, Terry (Beef) Tambash, Terry’s loving companion Diana Calhoun, and brother Neal Joe Tambash of Lewis Run Pa.; several grandchildren and great-grandchildren; and three stepsisters, Jackie Payea, Gail Patterson and Debbie Royer, all formerly from Bradford Pa.

He was predeceased by his parents; and a stepsister, Margo Falconi of Lewis Run.

The Family is grateful for the care Jim received at Absolute Care of Allegany, during the final days of his life.

A future Celebration of Life will be announced at a later date. Burial will be in the Field of Honor, Mount View Cemetery.

For those who wish a donation in Jim’s name can be made to the Olean American Legion, Post 530, Olean.

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Guenther Funeral Home, 1303 E. State St., Olean.

Online condolences can be expressed at www.guentherfh.com.