James J. Ahern, Jr.
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James J. Ahern, Jr., 62, of Elverson, passed away on Monday, December 17, 2018 while under the care of Freedom Village at Brandywine. He was the beloved husband of Barbara Olise Ahern with whom he shared 33 years of marriage. Born in Philadelphia, he was the son of the late James J. Ahern, Sr. and Cecelia Kasmark Ahern.
Jim was an area resident all his life and a 1974 graduate of the Coatesville Area High School. He continued his education at Penn State, where he was a member of the Delta Tau Delta fraternity, and graduated in 1978 with a degree in Biology. He was employed with PECO at Limerick Nuclear Plant from 1983 to 1998 as a nuclear reactor operator. He was later employed by Vanguard from 1998 to 2013. Jim obtained the honor of Eagle in 1972 as a member of Troop 217 in Parkesburg PA. Jim was proud to be a PSU football season ticket holder since graduation. He enjoyed being a PIAA basketball referee in the Berks County area.
He is survived, in addition to his wife, by two sons; Brett J. Ahern and Brad A. Ahern both of Elverson and one sister Susan Ahern (Maxine Ansbach) of Lewes, Delaware.
Prayer services will be held on Thursday, December 20, 2018 at 11:00 AM at the Wilde Funeral Home, 434 Main St. Parkesburg, PA with the Reverend Michael J. Fitzpatrick officiating. Family and friends are also invited to attend the viewing from 9:30 AM to 11:00 AM.
In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Lewy Body Dementia Associations, Inc. at 912 Killian Hill Road. S.W. , Lilburn, GA 30047.
Online condolences can be posted at www.wildefuneralhome.com
Condolences
James Ahern
A devestating loss to all of his Delt Brothers and friends. I knew Gern for over 40 years, but that wasn't nearly long enough; so sad that he left us so soon.
My prayers and thoughts go out to his family; may we all cherish the time we had to spend with him.
Sincerely,
John Russell
When I began hanging out with
When I began hanging out with the Delts and attending their social events in the early 1980’s, the stories I heard about Jim at Penn State were hilarious. He was truly a legend.
By the time both of us were able to attend one of the many Delts golf outings, I was known as “The Assassin.” At that outing in the early 1980’s, I think he was as curious to meet someone with that nickname as I was to meet the subject of so many legendary stories.
We ended up getting along famously and I was fortunate to be able to create more funny and fond memories with him over the next 35 years. What a golfer he was! He could wrap a golf club around a tree better than anyone I know.
He talked about his family often when we were together, and I know he cared and loved them with all his heart. He was a good man and a good friend, and I will deeply miss being with him.
Jim Hankle
I am so sorry or the loss of Jim. He was a great guy and always kind to my boys. RIP Your family is in my thoughts and prayers.
RIP Buddy. Big Jim and I
RIP Buddy. Big Jim and I started work at Limerick on the same day. We were instant best friends and remained so for 35 years. He will be greatly missed. Condolences to Barb and Brett and Brad
Fellow PECO Employee
worked with Jim for several years, I never expected to learn of his passing, he was always willing to give some insight to what ever we were dealing with, may your memories always bring cheer of having known him.
Gidbless to you and the
Gidbless to you and the family... we will miss you so much but you will always be close to our hearts...you were an amazing husband and father who was taking to soon but rest in piece my friend!
On behalf of the Class of
On behalf of the Class of 1974, please accept our heartfelt condolences. We have many fond memories of Jim from school. A memorial contribution will be made to the Lewy Body Dementia Association.
We will miss you buddy.
Big Jim gave us a lot of great memories. He was one of the main reasons I became a Nittany Lion and our Saturday morning breakfasts at the Waffle Shop with the guys were some to remember. He was a good man, a great dad and will be missed by all.
One of the kindest great men I was blessed to have for my cousin
My sincere condolences to Barbara, Brett, Brad and Susie, my cousins for the great loss of Jim. He was the kindest gentleman ever, never had a negative word, only goodness toward everyone and was one of a kind, one of the best men I'll ever know. Such a strong smart guy. We had so much fun growing up, memories I will treasure to the end. Heart aches forever losing you, my cous! Will never forget you, how I could trust you meant the world to me and how I gravitated toward you when we all got together. It was the best to see your honest genuine smile always. Until we meet again, RIP great man, for you deserve only peaceful blessings. Love always, Margie Payton Arcediano
So Long, Brother Jimmy
Jimmy was such a special friend and Brother I was blessed to have for nigh on 44 years. We lived together in Raleigh NC for a time while we struggled in our Brotherhood to find our way to fatherhood, which happily Jimmy did grandly, with Barbara then Brett and Brad. No matter the amount of time apart nor the many miles, each instance we connected we were once again true blue Brothers, arm in arm. While it seems death has robbed us of this kind and jovial soul, we know that he lives on in our many good memories of him. Barbara, Brett and Brad, May Our Lord provide you strength in the coming days. I offer my sincerest condolences...
John T. Peel "JP"
Barb - So sorry for your loss
Barb - So sorry for your loss. Way too soon. Hugs and prayers for you and the boys.
Too soon
Unc, you were a good man. Your prominent voice saying “Hey Erik”, is engrained forever. Words can not express the loss you leave behind, and the emptiness that now exists. My last memory will forever be your bright eyes and smile almost two weeks ago, while I was describing my hockey teams win, putting us in the Championship Cup Game. You told me congratulations with a BIG SMILE & EYES. I will never forget that ultra bright smile of yours. I’m grateful to have had you in our lives for over 33 years. You stood beside me during my Eagle ceremony, and through all my accomplishments from high school up. Death is part of Life, and I look forward to seeing you on the other side. God Speed ! Aunt Barb, Brett & Brad...my deepest condolences.
Thank you Jim for your kindness .. God speed and God bless
Please accept our sincerest and heartfelt condolences Barb, Brett ave Brad. Jim was our neighbor and friend for the past 21 years. I recall when I 1st met him at Brad and Frankie’s soccer game 1997 in West Nantmeal park. He was funny and so very welcoming - I said - I want him for a new friend as we had just moved here from NJ. We all did become friends - from the parties at your house, the thanksgiving wine exchange, the Good Friday donuts, to the campfires at our house, golf, and our Vanguard accounts - Jim was always a nice kind fun and truly a special guy. I know he will be missed dearly, I’m so sorry for this way too soon loss, and I pray for a leave that transcends all understanding for you all in the time to come. Love, Lisa and Frank Cardo
Gone Way Too Soon...
Ellen & I send our deepest sympathies to Barb, and sons Brett and Brad. You were my best friend and remained so until the Lord chose to bring you home early Monday night. I feel thankful to have known you and will miss you so much. There aren't enough words to describe the hole in my heart. God bless your family and know you brought a lot of joy to many people. I will never forget the time we shared with each other. I am glad your suffering is now over. You were and always will be "Gern". Rest in peace brother.
From an old college friend...
I just learned about the passing of Jim "Stud" Ahern. We were good friends in college. May you rest in peace, Studley.