Will my tree live?

I have a tree (fully grown) in my yard that is already losing its leaves (8/12/10). I am not sure what kind of tree it is; I was trying to identify it. It may be a type of beech tree.

There is ivy covering one third of the length of the trunk. I am assuming that this may very well be the culprit of the tree losing its leaves.

I am wondering (if it is the ivy causing the damage) if I pull of the ivy, will my tree revive or will I have to kiss it goodbye?