James Francis Ahern of East Helena, MT passed away at 3:55 on May 8th 2019, surrounded by family. Jim suffered from COPD and complications related to a recent fall which ultimately led to his passing.
Jim was born in Chicago, Illinois on May 11th 1940 to Margaret (Mahoney) Ahern and Richard Ahern. He was one of eight children. During high school he attended the East Troy Seminary in Wisconsin, later meeting his love, Judith, inspiring him to choose a different path in life. He married Judith Ann Stepuncik on August 27, 1960, at St. Gerald’s Catholic Church in Oak Lawn, Illinois. They spent 49 years together, raising their ten children and enjoying their numerous grandchildren.
Jim’s passions included his family, the outdoors, visits to the Black Hills, and his 50-year career selling insurance independently and for several companies.
Jim was a practical joker, and he always had a joke at the ready or a story to tell (or embellish) and he was notorious for making a short story long. He could find humor in the strangest places and this trait was proudly passed on to his children and grandchildren. Jim kept his Irish heritage alive by teaching his children and grandchildren the art of constructing clever “leprechaun traps” for trapping leprechauns on St. Patrick’s Day. His stories of how he actually caught one once (but when he blinked it got away), kept the kids from giving up when they weren’t as lucky to catch an actual one themselves. They did always manage to find some type of green or shiny wrapper candy left in their tripped, unattended traps, however. Jim’s Irish shenanigans / stories (often said in rehearsed Irish brogue) were always in his arsenal of foolery.
Survivors of Jim include his children, Jim (Carla) Ahern of Townsend, Tim (Debbie Munson) Ahern of Helena, Daniel Ahern of Helena, Matthew Ahern of Helena, Michael (Annamaria) Ahern of Rancho Cucamonga, Calif., Jennifer (Vaughn) Cordell of East Helena, Margaret (Keith) Jennings of East Helena, Anne (Clay) Edinger of East Helena, Mary (Chris) Emmons of Helena, and Elizabeth (Brian) Jackson of Helena. He is also survived by his 26 grandchildren: Christopher (Samantha) Ahern and Stephanie (David) Plymale; Jacob Ahern; Jessica (Daigo) Yamamura; Bethany, Duncan, Benjamin and Isabelle Cordell; Keith, Megan, Nicholas, Paul and Faith Jennings; Shannon Roybal; Garrett Edinger; Grace, Ella, Andrew and Caleb Emmons; Joshua, Joseph, Abigail, Isaac, and Oliver Jackson; Andrew and Christian Ahern, and 4 great grandchildren: Augustus, Maverick, Eris, and Brantley. Additionally, he is survived by his sister Marylynne (Bob) Cedar, sister-in-law Mary (John) Fish, brother-in-law Mike Petrizzo, and numerous nieces, nephews and in-laws.
Jim was preceded in death by his beloved wife Judy, his parents, and his siblings: Margie Stalzer, Jeannie (Fred) Bright, Richard (Marie) Ahern, John “Jackie” Ahern, Larry Ahern, and Maureen Petrizzo.
A Rosary is scheduled for 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, May 14, 2019 at SS. Cyril and Methodius Catholic Church, 120 W Riggs, East Helena, followed by a Mass at 10:30 a.m. at the church. Burial will follow the Mass at Resurrection Cemetery at 12:30 PM. A Reception will be held at the church following the burial. Please visit below to offer the family a condolence or share a memory of Jim.
Rest in peace with your beloved family, your angel grandchildren, and your beautiful bride who all met you at Heaven’s Gates. We love you, Dad!
Service Schedule
Rosary
10:00 a.m.
Tuesday May 14, 2019
SS Cyril and Methodius Catholic Church
120 W Riggs
East Helena, Montana 59635
Funeral Mass
10:30 a.m.
Tuesday May 14, 2019
SS Cyril and Methodius Catholic Church
120 W Riggs
East Helena, Montana 59635
Rite of Committal
After the Mass
Tuesday May 14, 2019
Resurrection Cemetery
3685 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
Following the Burial
Tuesday May 14, 2019
SS Cyril and Methodius Catholic Church
120 W Riggs
East Helena, Montana 59635
Service Schedule
Rosary
10:00 a.m.
Tuesday May 14, 2019
SS Cyril and Methodius Catholic Church
120 W Riggs
East Helena, Montana 59635
Funeral Mass
10:30 a.m.
Tuesday May 14, 2019
SS Cyril and Methodius Catholic Church
120 W Riggs
East Helena, Montana 59635
Rite of Committal
After the Mass
Tuesday May 14, 2019
Resurrection Cemetery
3685 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
Following the Burial
Tuesday May 14, 2019
SS Cyril and Methodius Catholic Church
120 W Riggs
East Helena, Montana 59635
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Julie Patterson says
Much love and prayers to all of you.
Michelle Meuris says
We were so sorry to hear about Uncle Jim.
We always looked forward to his visits to Chicago. Especially when he convinced my kids that he was actually a real leprechaun!
Praying for all of his family and that he is at peace in heaven with his parents, siblings and his beautiful wife 💕.
Jean Henderson says
Dear Family please accept my sincere apologies for your recent loss.Please let Gods word the Bible be of comfort to you in the coming days ahead. Read Isaiah 41:10 for more comfort.
Tami Wiggins says
I’m so glad that I had a chance to have one last visit with your dad just a few weeks ago. We had such a great visit as he shared his memories of so many good times. He holds a very special place in my heart. Sending love to your whole family 💗
Gilbert and MeLinda says
So sorry to hear of your loss. Our prayers are with you and your family.
Brian Donahue says
While I haven’t seen Jim for many years, I have many fond memories of traveling all over Montana together in our USF&G days. Many a trip would be in the worst of weather and terrible road conditions. Jim would pull out his rosary and we would pray for our safe passage home. And as a single guy at the time, Jim and Judy would open their home and beautiful family to me for many meals. God Bless Jim as he passes into eternal life.
Rick O’Connell says
Shore and begorrin. The Good Lord must have neede some new stories and I bet Judy was missing the same old stories. The world is a saddet place but Heaven is a touch better. We’re out of town so won’t be at the service. Love to all the kids.
Slainte my friend.
Rick and Jan
Kimberley (Walter) Ring says
So sorry for your loss, our thoughts and prayers to the entire Ahern family.
Peggy Nimz says
Our loss is Heavens gain..what a grand reunion he must have had when he left this world into the next! Much love and prayers Uncle Jim, you will be missed !
Scotty and Patty McKenzie says
God bless and comfort each of you kids and your families as your dad goes home to be with our Lord Jesus. We feel so blessed to have called your mom and dad friends. Scotty enjoyed working with your dad so much! Together we found such warmth, laughter, and kindness in the way your whole family welcomed us on our visits to your home. We hope to stay in touch and continue to hear about God’s great faithfulness in your walks with Him! Love to all! 💕
Tom Wood says
I am so sorry I did not know this until yesterday. I would have attended services had I know. I will surely remember him and Judy and all the family in my daily thoughts and prayers and at mass on Sunday. Jim and I were not only business associates but the very best of friends too for over forty years. I loved it when he called on my office. We would do our work then just relax and visit and tell family stories. I know how
Much he loved each and everyone of you guys! If ever I can do something to help this beautiful family, please let me know. If any of you ever find your way to Libby please look me up, I would love the visit. May God Bless and watch over you all. RIP JIM my old buddy! Tom Wood, Libby, MT
Brandi gregg says
My deepest condolences to Jim’s family. He was such a great guy and always had a smile and a laugh. I met him when I worked for valley bank.