James Felix Ahearn Jr.

James Felix Ahearn, Jr., 72, of Hilton Head Island, SC and Jackson, MI, passed away peacefully on October 31, 2015. He's a loving husband of Rita; dedicated father of Pamela (Thad) Chalfant, Lisa (Mark) Kulas; devoted brother of Marie Ahearn, Eileen O'Driscoll, Margaret Murray, Linda (Ted) Chapman, Daniel (Susan) Ahearn; and doting grandfather of Carolyn, Kate, Hannah Chalfant and Jimmy Kulas, and a wonderful uncle to numerous nieces and nephews. It was predeceased by his parents, James and Florence Ahearn. James Ahearn was born in St. Louis, MO on February 10, 1943 in Beaumont Hospital. Jim was the third child of James F. Ahearn Sr. and Florence Ellen Ahearn's six children. Jim came from a tight-knit, Irish Catholic family. He grew up in the same neighborhood as many of his cousins, aunts, and uncles. Jim had a fabulous childhood. Jim was a wonderful brother to his five siblings, and the laughter and storytelling overflowed anytime the Ahearns gathered. As a boy, Jim lived in St. Louis, MO, Fargo, ND, and Ann Arbor, MI. Jim graduated from high school in Farmington Hills, MI. When Jim moved to Ann Arbor in 8th grade he began his lifelong love affair with the city and the University of Michigan. Go Blue!! Many of Jim's big life moments happened in Ann Arbor at St. Thomas school. Jim formed friendships that would last a lifetime. In Ann Arbor, Jim had his fist date with Rita Jane Ramp, the love of his life and his future wife. Jim and Rita were married on January, 28, 1966 at St. Mary's chapel at the University of Michigan's campus. They were close to celebrating 50 years of marriage this coming January. Jim and his bride Rita bought their first home in Ann Arbor, MI and both of their daughters were born there. As a young father Jim worked hard as a GM Laborer, while putting himself through college. After graduating from Eastern Michigan University, Jim began a long and successful career in the oil industry. His career with Sunoco Oil Company took his family to the east coast. In Boston, Jim earned his MBA at Suffolk University on Beacon Hill. In the early 1980's he moved his family back to Michigan to start his own business. He founded Pipeline Oil Sales, a chain of gasoline stations and convenience stores. He named his convenience stores Buddy's Mini-Marts in honor of his father. Jim won numerous awards and accolades during his career. However, he will be best remembered for the absolute joy he brought to those who were honored to know him. Jim had many friends. If you were one of them you laughed...A LOT! Jim was the life of the party, and no truer friend could be found than Jim Ahearn. However, as much as Jim's friends meant to him, his heart belonged to his family. He was a devoted brother, uncle, father-in-law, and son. The entire Ahearn family benefited from Jim's generosity and kindness. He would do anything-absolutely anything-for his wife, daughters and grandchildren. They will miss everything about Jim-his history lessons on road trips, his adventurous spirit, his gourmet cooking skills, and his wit. But most of all, they will miss the love and support he gave them every year of his life. A Funeral Mass celebrating Jim's life will take place Wednesday, November 4, 2015 at St. Francis by the Sea Catholic Church, 45 Beach City Road, Hilton Head Island, SC 29926. In lieu of flowers, please donate to a charity of your choice or to the American Diabetes Association. The Island Funeral Home and Crematory theislandfuneralhome.com