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James Kohnen Obituary
July 19, 1942-May 29, 2012
Resident of Dublin
James Bernard Kohnen passed away suddenly on Tuesday. He touched many lives with his positive outlook on life and his willingness to volunteer for many causes. Jim was born in Chicago Illinois, earned a degree in Biology from Ripon College in Wisconsin where he met his wife Pat and then earned five other degrees, including a Doctorate in Education from the University of San Francisco. Jim retired from the US Army as a Colonel, after serving 30 years as a reserve officer. He retired from industry as a Quality Manager for five food companies and then the defense contractor FMC. He completed his career as a high school science teacher. His Public Service included serving on the Boards of the Alameda County Mosquito Abatement District, The Dublin San Ramon Services District, Zone Seven Water and Flood control District, the Alameda County Special Districts Association and the American Society for Quality (ASQ). He was an Eagle Scout and served as a District Commissioner in the San Francisco Bay Area Council. He was a Little League Manager and a member of many community organizations including the Knights of Columbus, Dublin Historical Preservation Association, Friends of the Dublin Library and the League of Women Voters. Jim was an avid cyclist and former President of the Valley Spokesman. He rode 100 miles a week. Jim and his wife Pat had fun together traveling many places and attending local theater and music performances. Jim is survived by his loving wife, Pat of almost 47 years; devoted sons Bill (Sharon) recently returned from the Philippines, Mark (Rachelle) of Sacramento and grandchildren Anne, Wrysa, Alice and Lucy Mae Kohnen. He is also survived by his Mother Alice Fischer Krohn of Baltimore Maryland, who is 94. Jim is also survived by his brother-in-law Terry Ostrom of Michigan, Aunt Shirley Fitzgerald of Illinois and several cousins. His loving spirit and smile will be missed by all who knew him. Friends and family are invited to a Memorial Mass at St. Raymond Church in Dublin on Monday, June 4, 2012 at 10:30am, followed by a reception in Moran Hall. In lieu of flowers the family suggests donations to Hope Hospice, 6377 Clark Avenue in Dubln or a charity of your choice.
Holy Angels
Funeral Center FD1456
510-537-6600
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Memories and Condolences
for James Kohnen
Harold Roundtree
May 26, 2025
I continue to have fond memories of the many contributions James made as a member of the Supervisory Committee of Technology Credit Union during my tenure there as an executive. I also reflect on his contributions to the Tri Valley too since I am a long time resident.
June 7, 2012
Pat, I am so sorry about Jim.It is a huge loss for so many people.May the memories of all the wonderful things you two did in this life comfort you until you are together again. With prayers,Diane Beebe
June 6, 2012
My thoughts and prayers are with you. I am so sorry for your loss. Linda Ferris, Dublin
Laura Carlock
June 5, 2012
Thoughts and prayers to the Kohnen family, and special heartfelt prayers to Pat. I worked with Pat and she always talked about Jim and their efforts in the community and travels. Words cannot express the lost of a loved one, but remember all the good times and memories. Pat, take one day at time and best wishes to you ...
Joy Montgomery
June 5, 2012
I'm so sorry for your loss. May your 47 years of memories provide happy thoughts for you and your family for a lifetime.
Debbie White
June 4, 2012
It was a beautiful Memorial Mass (on a rainy day!) to celebrate Jim's life. I really enjoyed talking with him more over the past year while volunteering at the Dublin Heritage Center. Our paths would cross at church, too, and we often talked about cycling. Jim was such a kind, caring person and so active and generous in our community. He is a wonderful role model for us all and will be greatly missed. God bless you, Pat, and your family in this time of sorrow and may your special memories bring you comfort!
June 4, 2012
Sincere condolences to all the Kohnen families and to our dear friend, Alice Krohn, who gave James his infectious smile and happy attitude in life.
Jim and Caroline Kunz, Chicago IL
Lecia and Harold Roundtree
June 4, 2012
Dear Pat and Family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and yours during these challenging times. Jim was a fantastic official to work with during my tenure at TechCU and his presence within the business community will be missed.
June 4, 2012
Pat,Bill,Mark and family-
I just wanted to let you know that I will be with you today and praying with you. Sorry that I could not get to the memorial service in person. I will miss "Big" Jim and will not forget the great times we had together at all the family parties and outings.
Jim Fischer and Family
Karen Severud
June 3, 2012
Dear Pat and family-
You will always be in our hearts and
prayers. Jim was a wonderful man.
He was a blessing to our community.
Karen Severud
Joe Flores
Jeannine Boettcher
June 3, 2012
I am saddened to hear of Jim's passing. Although I have only known Jim a short time as a result of our connection through his service on the TechCU Supervisory Committee, I have truly enjoyed getting to know him. He recently shared some stories of his family with me, and he was clearly a proud husband, father and grandfather. Pat and family - Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers.
Gus Meyner
June 3, 2012
Will miss you, Jim
Sarah Palmer
June 2, 2012
It was an honor to serve with Jim on the Zone 7 Water board. He always acted with integrity and a deep sense of his reponsibilty to the public. His passing is a great loss to our community.
Claudia & Tom McCormick
June 2, 2012
Pat: We were so saddened to hear of Jim's passing. He was such an integral part of the Dublin community and of our lives as well. We will miss him. Our love and prayers to you and family.
Stuart Gillespie
June 2, 2012
I only knew Jim briefly in my contacts with the ASQ board and after reading about him, I wish I had more of that pleasure of knowing him. I too will miss him.
Stu Gillespie
June 1, 2012
From our first 4-hour coffee "date," Jim became an instant mentor to me and I knew he was someone special. Jim was a kind-hearted man with tremendous integrity and so much wisdom. He touched so many lives and will be dearly missed. His footprint will forever be imprinted in our Dublin Community and his memory will live on. My heart goes out to Pat and the whole family for such a huge loss in their lives (and all of ours).
~Amy Miller (Dublin, CA)
Rachelle Kohnen
June 1, 2012
As Jim's Daughter-in-Law for the past 13 years, I am honored to have been a part of his life. Mark and I were honored to have him officiate at our wedding. We have so many great memories and I will be honored to share those memories with our daughter Lucy Mae. Jim was her hero. That man would do anything for her.. He taught her to ride a bike, climb a tree and carve a pumpkin. We are so saddened by this loss, but we are blessed to have had him in our lives for as long as we did. I'm quite certain that he filled a very important board member position in heaven and that he will make suggestion so that it continues to run very efficiently. We love you Jim Kohnen and you will live on in our hearts forever!
June 1, 2012
The well written obituary has interested and inspired all who have read it. This recognition of James' achievements is a great tribute because of his unusual achievements during his life. Alice Krohn His Mother
Maureen Cornejo
June 1, 2012
Pat and family, I am so sorry to hear of Jim's passing. I remember when we moved in across the street, how you both introduced yourself to our family. Jim was always so kind to my kids. They loved coming over and playing in the yard, the garage, and he let them play on the computer. Christine always enjoyed helping him grade papers from when he taught at Washington high school. He will be missed greatly. Pat and family you are in our prayers, and please call on me if you need anything, I am just across the street.
Marilyn & Al Schuldt
June 1, 2012
Jims passing has deeply shocked his entire family and friends. All of us cousins thought the world of Jim as he was always so thoughtful and kind. He always visited my Mom, Shirley whenever he arrived in Chicago and always remembered her on every holiday with beautiful flowers and cards. He will be dearly missed by all of us and his numerous friends in California. Our prayers are with Pat, Bill, Mark and their families. Jim will never be forgotten.
June 1, 2012
To: The Kohnen Family:
Jim was a great guy. I volunteered with him for ASQ in Dublin and he was the first one early morning. We used to put the Tables together. I will miss him this Saturday too. My heartfelt condolences and prayers.
Mat Thomas
Eileen Barr
June 1, 2012
Jim's life is confirmation that one person can really make a difference. He and Pat have always been so generous wih their time and energy to serve so many community groups. Jim will be deeply missed!
Love and deepest sympathy to all of you from Heinz and Eileen
Kate Raymond
June 1, 2012
I served with Jim on the board of the ASQ East Bay section. Jim was very supportive, committed and always shared his experience and knowledge. He was a very kind person and we all enjoyed his sense of humor and laugh. He will certainly be missed.
My thoughts and prayers go out to Jim's family and friends.
Karen Dawn Plaskon
June 1, 2012
Over the past 10 years, I have worked with Jim as a member of the ASQ East Bay section. His breadth of knowledge, enthusiasm and support for the mentoring process are legendary in the quality community. It was my privilege and honor to work with Jim and he will be sorely missed in our community. Two years ago, our section sponsored a scholarship in Jim's name and we are pleased that he was able to participate in the initial awards.
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