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James Ahearn Obituary

James Michael Ahearn Former Resident of Concord Major James Michael "Jimmy" Ahearn fought for and died for his country July 5, 2007 a victim of a roadside bomb. Jimmy served in the Army for 18+ years and was stationed in Iraq when his unit came under attack. He was the recipient of many medals throughout his career in the Army, including two bronze stars received for valor during the battle for Baghdad. Jimmy had a passion for learning. He loved hiking, biking and gardening, but mainly shared his love of life with his wife and daughter. He is survived by his wife, Lena and daughter, Kadi. He will be remembered as a loving husband and father, and was the son of Jim and Connie and sibling of Kevin, Kelly and Sean, as well as by all those who love him.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Contra Costa Times on Jul. 7, 2007.

Memories and Condolences
for James Ahearn

Not sure what to say?





Maryrae Gibson Colt

April 10, 2025

Just learned of Jimmy's passing and I'm beyond devastated. I knew him from working at the FBI in 1970s and early 80s. Always considered him a good friend and over the years always wondered what happened to him and thought of him fondly. Prayers to his family.

Cammy Jo Costa

May 28, 2019

Thinking of you Jimmy. Dad passed recently, and I`d like to think that you and Dad have exchanged some good ol` Army stories in Heaven.

Sherman and Donna Frease

May 27, 2019

In remembrance of you...and of all.

Sherman and Donna Frease

Mark Lenberger

May 27, 2018

Thinking of you on this day of remembrance.

Sherman and Donna Frease

May 26, 2018

Memorial Day...For you, your family and all who have and continue to serve, we send are sincere thoughts and grateful appreciation.

Mark Lenberger

November 11, 2017

Thinking of you on this day of remembrance.

July 5, 2017

Thought of today, and everyday since.

RIP.

Growing Up

Mark Lenberger

May 29, 2017

Remembering Jim on this day and all who joined, fought and died for our country.

Donna and Sherman Frease

May 28, 2017

As always, our thoughts are with you and yours and all service members this Memorial Day 2017.

Charlie Gili

March 12, 2017

Hello,
We would like to express our deepest condolences and also let the Hanson Family know that we have made a small donation to The American Widow Project to honor James Michael "Jimmy" Ahearn US Army Major. We recognize that this is a humble tribute, but we wanted you to know that it is heartfelt and made possible by thousands of like-minded individuals across the American youth hockey community and beyond. We will not forget. May God Bless you and keep you safe and strong.
Sincerely,
Charlie Gili & Family
On Behalf of the US Hockey Players Support Our Troops Campaign

Dennis Ahern

January 30, 2017

http://homepages.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~aherns/jmahearn.htm

Cammy Jo Costa

June 2, 2016

Thinking of you too Jimmy. God Bless.

Linda

May 31, 2016

Jimmy - Thinking of you and your family during this Memorial Day and eternally thanking you for your service to keep our country safe and free.

Mark Lenberger

May 31, 2016

Miss you Buddy

Donna and Sherm Frease

May 30, 2016

This Memorial Day...remembrances for all.

Cammy Jo Costa

December 20, 2015

God Bless Jimmy's family during the holidays.

Saad Sahraoui

December 18, 2015

Inna lilah wa inna ilayhi rajeoun (To Allah we belong, and to Him we shall return)
A brave, generous and kind man indeed.
May Allah comfort his family (wife, daughter, parents and sibling)

Mark Lenberger

May 25, 2015

Remembering you today

Sherman and Donna Frease

May 25, 2015

Our thoughts are with you and yours and all those who went before you on this Memorial Day.

Fati Faqeer

December 14, 2014

I havent heard about this story before last night was watching the tv so it was something about iraq i thought it will like others repoetage but when they start to tell the story of lina and jimmy my husband and i were wishing that they will not say he's dead in the end of the reportage it was so nice story we were sad that thier story ends like this wish lina and her child a good life near jimmy's familly all the best
Lyon -france

Camellia Kamil

December 8, 2014

I am Iraqi , yesterday I watched a t.v. report on maj. James Ahearn's story and I remembered reading about his marriage to an Iraqi girl in local papers back in 2004 . I felt so sad to learn that he was killed in Baghdad in 2007. Am so sorry for your loss.

July 18, 2014

I dident know Major James Ahearn. I did know a wonderful kid Pfc Jimmy Ahearn a long time ago. Proud of you buddy. 23rd Eng Bn Hanau W. Germany.

Karen Barone

December 8, 2013

I am so sorry to hear all of these years later, that my old friend, lost a wonderful son. How proud and heart broken you have to be. I only wish for you that times heals the pain and brightens the memories that the two of you shared. It has been a long time, I will pray for you my dear friend.

Donna & Sherman Frease

November 11, 2013

Remembering this Veterans Day and all days, all you gave...Thank you.

Kevin Ahearn

July 7, 2013

Thank you Peggy, you can't imagine how amazing it feels to know Jimmy meant so much to so many.

I am terribly sorry to hear of your illness and will now keep you in my thoughts and prayers.

Peggy Childers

July 5, 2013

To the family and friends of Maj. James M. Ahearn:
It has truly been my honor to sign James' guest book these past few years. Unfortunately, due to complications from my Multiple Sclerosis, this may be the last message I'm able to write. Please forgive me and know that James will always be remembered in my home.
With love and respect ~ Peggy

Cammy Jo

March 22, 2013

I knew Jimmy years ago when he worked for the FBI, before joining the Army. We were coworkers. The other day, seven young Marines died tragically in a Nevada depot explosion and Jimmy has been heavy on my thoughts. Many blessings to Jimmy's beautiful wife and daughter and to his family. I am so sorry for your loss. Jimmy was a brave man and kind too.

Joey

January 28, 2013

I've never met Maj Jim Ahearn but I did met Lena back in 2003 when I was deployed in Iraq, she's working as an interpreter for the us army...I just learned what happen to Jim 5 days ago and I also learned that Lena was her wife...I pray to God that He will continue to bless Lena and Kadi and Lena's whole family wherever they go and whatever decision they make. Jim..you will never be forgotten...Soldiers never die...they just fade away...See you downrange Sir and I salute you

Peggy Childers

July 10, 2012

July 5, 2012
To the family and friends of Maj. James M. Ahearn:
Always remembering James. "Some gave all."

Hyder Mohammed

July 8, 2012

Hi, My name is Hyder Mohammed. I'm from IRAQ currently in Chicago, IL.I have met MAJ Ahern in 2003 in IRAQ. What a brave man, i can't describe how humanitarian he was. what a lost . i will never met someone in his morality and braveness.

Lina Ahearn

July 6, 2012

I love u like there is no more love left on earth , I love u until my last day on earth until the last breath I will take on earth,cause my next breath I will take it with u when we will meet again . I miss u so much and our child miss u so much and she loves u to death.
Until the three of us meet again will never be forgotten

Victoria Garman

July 5, 2012

Hard to believe it's been five years since you left our family. Thank you for your service..until we meet, again.

Mark Lenberger

May 30, 2012

Miss ya, little buddy

Joe Roberts

May 29, 2012

You are thought of, missed, and honored always.

Donna and Sherman Frease

May 28, 2012

On this Memorial day, as all days, we send our thoughts and prayers for Jimmy, his family, friends and fellow members of service. For those who give any and all...we remember and gratefully thank you.

April 10, 2012

By all accounts a great man, I offer my prayers and thoughts to those greatly affected by his loss. A special prayer for his child; may she grow up recognizing the great sacrifice he made and the love that he had for her, in spite of this sacrifice.

Lena Ahearn

August 31, 2011

Will Always and for ever love u

Julio Rodriguez

August 30, 2011

To the families of our American Heroes,

I want to thank each of you for your personal sacrifices on behalf of my family and America.
May God comfort your souls and bring peace in your hearts that your loss is not in vain.
God Bless our valiant warriors families in the ages to come.

RIP courageous ones!
Psalm 25:20

July 8, 2011

U will never be forgotten, I love u and miss u so much.
Lina Ahearn

July 5, 2011

Bless ya buddy~ you are remembered!

Peggy Childers

July 5, 2011

To the family and friends of Maj. James M. Ahearn:
Please accept my remembrance of James on the anniversary of his passing and know that he will never be forgotten.

Mark Lenberger

July 5, 2011

Jim was my best friend. What great times we had growing up. He is in my thoughts most days. My respects to family and friends. R.I.P.

Mark Glaze

July 4, 2011

Jim was my friend and colleague, I was with him the day he was taken from us. He will be forever missed.
MSG Mark Glaze
CAT A 624,B Co 96th CA BN

L Greene

July 3, 2011

I am so sorry for your loss. May JAMES MICHAEL AHEARN rest in peace and you find comfort in knowing that he is.My thoughts and prayers are with JAMES and your family.~GOD bless~ remembering James especially on July 5th~ JAMES is not forgotten.

Elizabeth Raab

January 14, 2011

Your legacy will forever live on in the hearts of those who knew you and shared in your struggle to protect our country and the ultimate sacrifice you gave so that we can be grateful for what we have. Your family, friends, loved ones and fellow soldiers will stay in my thoughts and prayers.
A Proud Military Mom.

Peggy Childers

July 5, 2010

To the family and friends of Maj. James M. Ahearn:
Remembering James on the anniversary of his passing. May our fallen heroes never be forgotten!
Peggy Childers
"Don't Let The Memory Of Them Drift Away"
www.IraqWarHeroes.org

jay rutherford

June 28, 2010

Maj Ahearn was my platoon leader back in 1995 thru 1996 in Bravo Company, 27th eng BN, I will miss him and will never forget him, we had a great time.

Dorothy Armstrong

May 31, 2010

I knew Jim when he was stationed at Fort Stewart, GA. Remembering you on this Memorial Day. Thank you for your sacrifice Lena and Kadi.

Vicki Cole

May 28, 2010

May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.

Tamara Quinn

November 28, 2009

I am so sorry for your loss Lena. Your message to Jim is heartfelt. Please accept my condolences and remember that Jim is with you through your lovely Kadi.

November 25, 2009

To the love of my life to the father of my baby
to my husband and my friend Jimmy tomorrow
is thanksgiving day and everyone have there
loved one beside them but you!!!!!!!! You are in my
heart and mind till I die your chair in the house
still here with a flower on it ,so your chair not
empty . Kadi love you and I !!! I am nothing
with out you .
I love you Jim and I missyou till I leave this earth

Steve Vickers

October 25, 2009

I have waited a long time to express my condolences to Connie and Jimmy's siblings. Jimmy and I attended Clayton Valley High together and shared many lasting memories from those days. Jimmy bore a tattoo that many of his brothers and sisters share.

The tattoo is representative of a philosophy of love we all share. There are family from Concord and Germany who live by the same understanding of giving that Jimmy fulfilled in his service to his country, his caring for the people of Iraq, and his love for his wife and family.

We are so proud of Jimmy for his integrity and his devotion to his core values.
Jimmy joined the Army two years after I left to Germany on my own enlistment. We partied in Concord to celebrate New Years Eve when I ETS'd from the military. That was the last time we spend in each other's presence.

Jimmy achieved what we all should strive for: to leave a lasting, positive footprint on this planet that serves as a memory for others that living a life of trust, tolerance, and understanding, is what God intended for each of us.

His passion, patience and love continues to live through all of us = God bless you My Brother!

jim stephens

October 14, 2009

I am so sorry for your loss, and offer my respects to a very giving person.

P. F.

September 30, 2009

I am an adult student, RN returning to Moravian College, Bethlehem,PA. I am taking a course, Exploration of Lit where we are assigned to explore someone who became a casualty of war. I was honored to get to know Major Ahearn thru the website his brother created. Thank you so much for the leadership and sacrifice your family has demonstrated in the loss of Major Ahearn. He was a special human being and a model for us. God grant you peace.

last pic taken together 4 July 2007

Joe Roberts

July 6, 2009

I was in DC/Arlington this weekend and went an paid my respects in person instead of staying in Ft. Bragg this weekend.

Kollin Taylor

July 5, 2009

It's hard to believe that it has been exactly two years.

Tracie (Ahearn) Carter

May 29, 2009

To a Cousin, I sadly never got to met, but heard tons about you will be missed. I hope my four son can grow and be half as wonderful and brave as u!!!

Gina Zanussi

May 25, 2009

God bless you and your family this Memorial Day and thank you sincerely for your service and sacrifice. You aren't forgotten.

MAJ Ahearn

May 10, 2009

MAJ Ahearn & SGT Kline

May 10, 2009

Kollin Taylor

May 10, 2009

Even though I’ve never met them, I had the privilege of serving with MAJ Ahearn and SGT Kline and we lived on FOB Falcon in Baghdad, Iraq. I also carry the memory that their passing could have been mine. I had driven on that road earlier that day and as I returned I heard that ill-fated explosion and soon saw their damaged vehicle on the road.
The first time I saw either of these men was when I created a video for their memorial service in Iraq. I have posted these photos and the video to the internet to remind the world of not just how they made the ultimate sacrifice but rather to document how they lived.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/1photo-oc6/sets/72157612353049475/

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z0Diwbk5uKw

I join their family, friends, and comrades in the grieving process.

Edward Senesky

April 12, 2009

Hi,

Thank you for sharing a piece of your love for James Ahearn. I didn't know him until I read what has been written. He had a good heart.

I send my condolences and my love and my compassion.

Cpt Huston, Maj Ahearn, Maj Gendreau Bco 96th CA

Joe Roberts

January 1, 2009

Hello to the Ahearn Family, Below is part of an email I wrote to Lena shortly before Christmas:

Hello Lena,

Happy Holidays and seasons greeting to you and your family. I first off want to apologize for taking all this time to pay you the respsect and courtesy your family deserves. It's taken me this long to get to a point where I'm able to contact you.

If and when the time is right I have a letter for you and your daughter that I've written over and over. I feel that being the warrior Jim truely was (and always will be) that he is owed the courtsey of having his family have access to those who support the everlasting, positive impact, of his legacy.

Should you ever want to contact me, feel free to do so anytime, no matter what.
-MSG Joe Roberts
---------------------------------
To both the Ahearn and Kline family: I've been in contact with Bonnie Carroll, Executive Dir of TAPS. Bonnie Carroll is the Director of Survivor Programs for the Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS), the national Veterans Service Organization providing peer support, grief and trauma resources and information, casualty casework assistance and crisis intervention for all those affected by the death of a loved one serving in the armed forces.

I think both families would not only benefit from TAPS but also be great sources of inspiration to those who will and may deal with what you have as well.

Keith was "everyone's little brother" on FOB Falcon. While Jim was "everyone's dad". Both were "everyone's friend".

As Jim's Tm Sgt I can say that all though we didn't agree on alot, it's what provided "the balance" to get the job done. Jim would laugh saying "As long as your closed fist works with my open hand as an agreed upon handshake to these (iraqi) people, they will know we are good for our word". Jim was right

Losing Jim and Keith was like losing a little brother and a father at the same time. I never had a brother and grew up not knowing my father so all the more reason why I saw them as such.

Keith for most of us was a walking glimpe looking back upon our own innocense and youth. As well as mischief :-)

Jim as a symbol of wisdom , and lifes lessons, and the pursuit for what is good. a true "Moral Compass set to TRUE NORTH".

No one can ever be expected to get over this but I hope that all get through this. It can be done while NEVER forgetting them.

To all I say this: Let 2009 and every year forward be a year that Keith and Jim's experiences be used to inspire others.

-Joey Roberts

Kenna Larra

December 29, 2008

We love our Soldiers! We love our country and we cannot express enough love and compassion to the families at this time. This is a Nonprofit Organization to honor are Soldiers!
FREE OIL ON CANVAS PAINTING OF THIS HERO. COMPLETE FORM AT WWW.HEROPAINTINGS.COM
Please contact us! Contact us directly at [email protected] or go to www.heropaintings.com. If you have already had a portrait completed, we pray that you are enjoying the portrait and God Bless You.
Sincerely,
Kenna

Peggy Childers

November 11, 2008

Veteran's Day, 2008
To the family of Maj. James M. Ahearn:
James gave the ultimate sacrifice and will be held in the hearts of Americans forever. I cannot and will not let our fallen heroes be forgotten. My deepest sympathy to you. "Some gave all."
Peggy Childers
"Don't Let The Memory Of Them Drift Away"
www.IraqWarHeroes.org

10th ENG B CO (Iraq Freedom 2003)

Pedro Lopez

September 2, 2008

You will always live in our hearts and prayers.

Ayla & Tom Biggerstaff

July 22, 2008

To the family of Maj James M. Ahearn. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Christina Fuentes

July 21, 2008

He is the largest mentor and inspiration in my military career. I ran in "A Run to Remember" race on Saturday. When I saw his name on the shirt, it touched me very deeply. I wanted to contact a family member to pass on my thoughts of how great of a man he was and will always be to me. I spoke to him on June 3, 2007 requesting for him to come to Fort Rucker Alabama to pin on my Warrant Officer rank, he was my inspiration to become an officer. He regretfully wrote me in return, stating he would love to but he could not make the trip at that time. We worked at desks directly next to each other from 1999 to 2002. He helped me through some difficult times in my life. We watched together as the planes went into the towers, he reassured a young pregnant lady of 22 years of age(me) that everything would be ok. During his first rotation to Iraq with Bravo Company we talked via email while I was deployed in Kosovo. I knew his first wife Joan, and I knew he had remarried and has a beautiful daughter. During my rotation in Iraq he was in between NTC and his next duty station. He always believed in what our country was doing and in return convinced me to keep going and do the right thing. He always told me “I know your potential is without limits.” I really just wanted to let you know because of Jim’s mentorship and guidance, I am where I am.

Salcedo Family

July 11, 2008

To all of the Ahearn Family,
Just wanted to let you know our thoughts and prayers are with you this week, as they are every day.
Jimmy will never be forgotten, for who he was and what he stood for.
We miss him every day. We put up a special flag poll in his honor and raised the flag for the first time at half mass on July 5th, and now it stands at full glory in his memory. He will never be forgotten. He will always be apart of our family and in are hearts. We cherish every memory.

Jeanette (Ahearn) Pryor

July 10, 2008

Dear Mr. and Mrs. Ahearn
Dear Mrs. Ahearn,

Please allow me to express my deepest sorrow for you, as well as my profound respect and gratitude for the sacrifice you have made of your son and husband for our beloved country.

I promise we will remember James in our family Rosary each day.

God bless and console you all.
Jeanette

June 30, 2008

You are remembered and respected. Thank you Maj Ahearn!

debbi rivers

June 25, 2008

To the family and parents of James I want you to know that you are not alone in the grief you are feeling. I too know what you are going through and what you will go through in the coming weeks and months ahead. You will have many questions as to why? You will have many things to get ready or go through and that should be done in time. Sometimes it just can’t be faced and that’s ok, for you will know when the time is right for you. There is no right or wrong way to grieve it’s an individual journey that unfortunately we now have to take. I ask that God give the comfort, strength and courage that you are going to need. When and if the time is right for you please contact me. You can cry, vent, or just talk as only another person who has been where you are can really know what you are going through. May God continue to be with you and heal you.

In memory of my son
Spc Harry (Buck) Winkler III
KIA 11/12/06 Samarra, Iraq
82nd Airborne 2-505th PIR

Randy Mueller

June 25, 2008

I got to know James after receiving a duplicate Dog Tag of Mr. Ahearn's during a Benefit Motorcycle run for fallen soldiers. I have read about James and wish his family my deepest sympathy in his loss. James and I had a fun night here in IL and I wish to send this duplicate metal engraved Dog Tag to his Family, where it belongs. Please email me and I will be honored to send them to his family. God bless.

The Buck family

April 26, 2008

To the family of Maj. James M. Ahearn, our thoughts and prayers are with you in your loss. What he has done for our freedom will not be forgotten. May God comfort and bless your family.

Kathleen

March 9, 2008

To Major Ahearn's Family -

I know he is a hero to you, but always remember that he is a hero to all of us that live in this country of freedom and we thank him for all he has done to keep our freedom.

Feel his spirit in the wind, his whispers in the night, and his touch in your dreams. He will always be with you. God bless you all.

Brandon Hooper

March 4, 2008

God Bless You & Thank You For Your Service! I Might Not Know You! But I Really Thank You Alot For Protecting Our Country & Helping Another! You Are An American Soldier! HOOAH!

Jesse Duran

January 22, 2008

I had to pleasure of serving with and becoming friends with both James and Lena. I will always remember most a man who truly loved his family and his country. I was blessed to be at the marriage of James and Lena will never forget the times our families spent together sightseeing in Los Angeles. James truly loved his wife and daughter and will be solely missed. I know God blesses a righteous man, and no doubt James truly was. God bless the entire Ahearn family. Lena, even though we haven’t spoken in a while, Dawn and I wish you and Kadi peace. If you ever need ANYTHING, please don’t hesitate to call on us. We Love you guys.

Jesse and Dawn Duran

Rafael Morales-rojas

January 16, 2008

May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well-lived.

Brent Bartos

January 10, 2008

To a great Soldier, friend, and family man - you will be greatly missed. God Bless.

Kelvin Hunt

January 4, 2008

I would like to say Maj Ahearn you will be missed by a lot of people see you on the other side RIP

Scott Cannon

January 2, 2008

I had the honor of serving with this great man while in Korea. His example was a bright beacon to all that knew him. His mission done, rest well you faithful servant.

Dave Ahern

December 16, 2007

Powerful story of someone who was clearly a wonderful man. God bless you all.
Dave Ahern

SSG Chris Melendez

December 5, 2007

I drove Maj. Ahearn during OIF I. I won't ever forget him for his guidance and leadership on our push to Baghdad. God bless the Lena, Kadi, and the rest of the Ahearn family.

Dawoud

October 28, 2007

Brother James... I read about you in the latest copy of Newsweek and how you and Lena got together and overcame so many obstacles for the sake of love. That love was with you when the unfortunate happened, and your mission and your sense of duty to not only our country, but to Lena, Kadi and the work of Allah in trying to bridge the gaps and get some peace to an area that needs more love, peace and healing than any other place I know. Brother, you have guaranteed your place in Jen'na and you have inspired me to do more than what I have done now, and it is in remembrance of you that I will seek the inspiration to spread the peace and to work with others to help in any way I can. May Allah, the Most Loving, the Most Magnificent, the Lord of the Universe bless you in Jen'na and watch over and protect Lena and Kadi. Shukran, brother for your work and ma'asalama until we meet in Jen'na.

Zia Groosh Flossman

October 23, 2007

Jimmy was a great man. I haven't had the chance to meet him but I was a friend of Lena's family and I heard a lot about him from them. Her mom "Um Ammar" always said wonderful things about him and about how much Lena loves him. May he rest in peace and may God give his family the strength to go through this hard time.

LTC James Brown

October 23, 2007

What a loss. MAJ Ahearn was a Soldier that truly cared for people. His efforts will not be forgotten and we will continue to fight for what he believed in.

SFC(RET) Bruce Callaghan

October 18, 2007

I had the privilege to have served with MAJ Ahearn while with the 27th ENG BN at Ft Bragg. It is a great lost to our nation anytime a hero passes and this hero gave his life in hopes to help others have a better life. MAJ Ahearn your mission is complete and welcome home may you lead others in peace. My deepest condolences to the Ahearn family for your loss.

October 3, 2007

To a hero:
THANK YOU so much for all that you have done. You were truly a angel on earth.My sympanthy to the whole family. And thank you for allowing us to contiune to have this freedom that we get to enjoy each and every day. For every fallen soldier there is a star in the heavens and I will countiune to bow my head and pray.
R.I.P Angel

Tracey

September 28, 2007

My husband and I are both Army vets. We fought over seas in Saudi Arabia during Desert Storm. Every year we participate in a Veteran Charity event that takes place in Boston. It is run by the Ahern Family Charity Foundation. While going on line to acquire info from their sight I accidentally cam across this sight for Major Ahern. I read his story and saw all the pictures of his family!! Our deepest condolences to you all. His patriotism and devotion to our country will never be forgotten!! He is a true hero!! God Bless!

Chaplain Dan Gates, Georgia Society SAR

September 24, 2007

With the deepest regret, I have just learned of the death of Major Ahearn. As a Vietnam Veteran and the State Chaplain of the Georgia Society, Sons Of The American Revolution, I speak for our President, Charlie A. Newcomer, III and the more than 1,400 SAR members around the State of Georgia in humbly expressing the condolences of a grateful Society. Wrapped in the integrity of service to our nation and the inestimable values of duty, honor and country, your American hero stood on a wall of freedom for us all. His life and his love of country epitomized every attribute of patriotism the Sons Of The American Revolution hold dear. And, as Americans, we could never repay the debt we owe him ..!! Nor the debt we owe you… his family!!!

Lee Highsmith

September 18, 2007

I knew Major Ahearn when he was my company commander for B co 10th Eng Bn at Ft. Stewart. I still consider him the best CO I ever served under. Always took care of the soldiers and trusted in his NCOs to lead his company. I talked to him last just a couple days before he left for Iraq, after we had just returned from Afghanistan. It wasn't until today when, I asked somebody from 96th about him, that I found out he died. He will be greatly missed.

jayne AHERNE

August 31, 2007

rip james,

from the aherne's in london, england

August 19, 2007

Thank you for the sacrifice made by Maj Ahearn and the sacrifice made by everyone who loves and misses him! May God bless all of you!!

Chris and Linda Riemer

August 7, 2007

We had the pleasure of coming to know Jim while in the 27th EN BN at Fort Bragg over 10 years ago. He was an officer who took his profession, but not himself, too seriously. Like many others, we've been looking forward to crossing paths with him again. America and the Army have indeed suffered a great loss. We'll miss you, Jim.

Jessamyn Saltysiak

August 7, 2007

We were so sorry to learn of Jim's death last month. We have known Jim since 1995 when Jim was in the 27 ENG BN with Tom. We enjoyed many laughs with Jim and Joan back then...they were both great friends to us. He was someone whose path I always hoped we would cross again. Fortunately we have lots of great memories of him. I wish we had met Lena and Kadi...we are so sorry for your entire family's loss. He was a GREAT guy and we'll miss him very much.

Jonathan Moss

August 6, 2007

Major Ahearn was a good man and a good officer. He was a calm professional. We were together at the Civil Affairs course at Fort Bragg, NC. I will always remember him.

SSG Warren Jones

August 5, 2007

I remember Major Ahern as a great man. He was truly the best company commander I ever had. Going to OIF I with him was truly a great experience. He truly cared for the Soldiers in his company. He will be remembered.

Warren Jones

August 5, 2007

I remember Major Ahern as a great man. He was truly the best company commander I ever had. Going to OIF I with him was truly a great experience. He truly cared for the Soldiers in his company. He will be remembered.

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What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

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Resources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

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How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

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Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

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The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

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Ways to honor James Ahearn's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

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How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

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Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

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How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

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