Jim Ahern, a La Jolla resident of 49 years, passed away suddenly October 15, 2009, at the age of 84.
Born March 21, 1925, in Avalon, Catalina Island, California, Jim spent an idyllic youth there before moving to Chicago, Illinois.
After a few years he returned to Long Beach, CA, and then enlisted in the US Army, where "He and Patton" fought throughout Europe during W.W.II. Surviving the Battle of the Bulge, Jim was awarded a Purple Heart on more than one occasion. He frequently visited his plaque high atop La Jolla's Mt. Soledad, commemorating his adventures in serving his country.
After the war, Jim returned to Avalon where he met his wife of 58 years, Marjorie Fricke. Together they raised Fritz, Patrick, Louise (Buckley), Jimmy, Kate (Rigby) and Josephine (Rowe), who went on to produce 14 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren.
His professional career started with the Carrier Company where Jim was instrumental in building a new office in San Diego.
When asked to return to Los Angeles, Jim realized that San Diego was best for his family. Leaving Carrier in 1960, he quickly built himself a new career in real estate. Because of his success, he built his family a home in La Jolla where he spent the remainder of his life. Jim loved tennis (President – LJ Tennis Club), fishing and playing an active part in the community.
While in commercial real estate, he served as President of the San Diego Board of Realtors, President of the Gaslamp Quarter Association and was selected by the Mayor to serve on the Historical Site Resources Board. Another of his career highlights was pioneering the Voluntary Integration Program in San Diego.
A warm and generous man, Jim had a unique ability to engage anyone that crossed his path in conversation ranging from lighthearted joking to sometimes controversial and heated discussions.
You are invited to a celebration of Jim's life on Friday, October 23rd, beginning at 4PM at 335 Sixth Avenue, San Diego.
The memorial service will take place at the Avalon Cemetery, Catalina Island, on October 26th at 12 noon. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to NAMI – National Alliance for Mental Illness-San Diego or the Catalina Island Museum.
Born March 21, 1925, in Avalon, Catalina Island, California, Jim spent an idyllic youth there before moving to Chicago, Illinois.
After a few years he returned to Long Beach, CA, and then enlisted in the US Army, where "He and Patton" fought throughout Europe during W.W.II. Surviving the Battle of the Bulge, Jim was awarded a Purple Heart on more than one occasion. He frequently visited his plaque high atop La Jolla's Mt. Soledad, commemorating his adventures in serving his country.
After the war, Jim returned to Avalon where he met his wife of 58 years, Marjorie Fricke. Together they raised Fritz, Patrick, Louise (Buckley), Jimmy, Kate (Rigby) and Josephine (Rowe), who went on to produce 14 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren.
His professional career started with the Carrier Company where Jim was instrumental in building a new office in San Diego.
When asked to return to Los Angeles, Jim realized that San Diego was best for his family. Leaving Carrier in 1960, he quickly built himself a new career in real estate. Because of his success, he built his family a home in La Jolla where he spent the remainder of his life. Jim loved tennis (President – LJ Tennis Club), fishing and playing an active part in the community.
While in commercial real estate, he served as President of the San Diego Board of Realtors, President of the Gaslamp Quarter Association and was selected by the Mayor to serve on the Historical Site Resources Board. Another of his career highlights was pioneering the Voluntary Integration Program in San Diego.
A warm and generous man, Jim had a unique ability to engage anyone that crossed his path in conversation ranging from lighthearted joking to sometimes controversial and heated discussions.
You are invited to a celebration of Jim's life on Friday, October 23rd, beginning at 4PM at 335 Sixth Avenue, San Diego.
The memorial service will take place at the Avalon Cemetery, Catalina Island, on October 26th at 12 noon. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to NAMI – National Alliance for Mental Illness-San Diego or the Catalina Island Museum.
Jim Ahern, a La Jolla resident of 49 years, passed away suddenly October 15, 2009, at the age of 84.
Born March 21, 1925, in Avalon, Catalina Island, California, Jim spent an idyllic youth there before moving to Chicago, Illinois.
After a few years he returned to Long Beach, CA, and then enlisted in the US Army, where "He and Patton" fought throughout Europe during W.W.II. Surviving the Battle of the Bulge, Jim was awarded a Purple Heart on more than one occasion. He frequently visited his plaque high atop La Jolla's Mt. Soledad, commemorating his adventures in serving his country.
After the war, Jim returned to Avalon where he met his wife of 58 years, Marjorie Fricke. Together they raised Fritz, Patrick, Louise (Buckley), Jimmy, Kate (Rigby) and Josephine (Rowe), who went on to produce 14 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren.
His professional career started with the Carrier Company where Jim was instrumental in building a new office in San Diego.
When asked to return to Los Angeles, Jim realized that San Diego was best for his family. Leaving Carrier in 1960, he quickly built himself a new career in real estate. Because of his success, he built his family a home in La Jolla where he spent the remainder of his life. Jim loved tennis (President – LJ Tennis Club), fishing and playing an active part in the community.
While in commercial real estate, he served as President of the San Diego Board of Realtors, President of the Gaslamp Quarter Association and was selected by the Mayor to serve on the Historical Site Resources Board. Another of his career highlights was pioneering the Voluntary Integration Program in San Diego.
A warm and generous man, Jim had a unique ability to engage anyone that crossed his path in conversation ranging from lighthearted joking to sometimes controversial and heated discussions.
You are invited to a celebration of Jim's life on Friday, October 23rd, beginning at 4PM at 335 Sixth Avenue, San Diego.
The memorial service will take place at the Avalon Cemetery, Catalina Island, on October 26th at 12 noon. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to NAMI – National Alliance for Mental Illness-San Diego or the Catalina Island Museum.
Born March 21, 1925, in Avalon, Catalina Island, California, Jim spent an idyllic youth there before moving to Chicago, Illinois.
After a few years he returned to Long Beach, CA, and then enlisted in the US Army, where "He and Patton" fought throughout Europe during W.W.II. Surviving the Battle of the Bulge, Jim was awarded a Purple Heart on more than one occasion. He frequently visited his plaque high atop La Jolla's Mt. Soledad, commemorating his adventures in serving his country.
After the war, Jim returned to Avalon where he met his wife of 58 years, Marjorie Fricke. Together they raised Fritz, Patrick, Louise (Buckley), Jimmy, Kate (Rigby) and Josephine (Rowe), who went on to produce 14 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren.
His professional career started with the Carrier Company where Jim was instrumental in building a new office in San Diego.
When asked to return to Los Angeles, Jim realized that San Diego was best for his family. Leaving Carrier in 1960, he quickly built himself a new career in real estate. Because of his success, he built his family a home in La Jolla where he spent the remainder of his life. Jim loved tennis (President – LJ Tennis Club), fishing and playing an active part in the community.
While in commercial real estate, he served as President of the San Diego Board of Realtors, President of the Gaslamp Quarter Association and was selected by the Mayor to serve on the Historical Site Resources Board. Another of his career highlights was pioneering the Voluntary Integration Program in San Diego.
A warm and generous man, Jim had a unique ability to engage anyone that crossed his path in conversation ranging from lighthearted joking to sometimes controversial and heated discussions.
You are invited to a celebration of Jim's life on Friday, October 23rd, beginning at 4PM at 335 Sixth Avenue, San Diego.
The memorial service will take place at the Avalon Cemetery, Catalina Island, on October 26th at 12 noon. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to NAMI – National Alliance for Mental Illness-San Diego or the Catalina Island Museum.
Family Members
Sponsored by Ancestry
Advertisement
Advertisement
