"To all the Ahern?s. My heart?..I know your ache, and am very saddened to hear of Jim?s passing. He certainly was one of a kind, a man I will always remember, in so many ways. Jim was a very close friend to my father Bill McCoy and his brothers?..oh the stories . My first memory of Jim, was when he came to our home on visit, and in the very early am., he took two pot lids and walked upstairs banging them together down the hall, shouting, ? Battle Breakfast ?. We all Jumped out of bed , to say the least. Breakfast was cooked together, laughter, and jokes. There are many more stories such as this?..it would take pages. But, one thing I will leave you with, is Jim sure knew how to make people laugh, smile and have wonderful time. I know he will be missed tremendously, but I?m sure grateful for my memories, and when I think of Jim?always , always with a smile on my face. Tremendous hugs and love to all. Michelle McCoy Umrysz "
In loving memory of
James John Ahern
April 23, 1933 - September 25, 2023
James "Doc" Ahern, 90 of Malvern, IA, passed away Monday, September 25, 2023 at UNMC in Omaha NE, Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, September 30, 2023 at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Red Oak, IA. Visitation will be held on Friday, September 29, 2023, from 4:00 p.m. to 5:45 p.m with Rosary at 5:45 p.m., at the Loess Hills Funeral Home in Malvern. Burial with military honors will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Wednesday, November 1, 2023 at the Malvern Cemetery. Loess Hills Funeral Home in Malvern is caring for Jim and his family.
Memorials : Malvern Public Library
OBITUARY
James John Ahern, 90 of Malvern, IA, passed away Monday, September 25, 2023 at Nebraska Medicine in Omaha.
Jim was born on April 23, 1933 in Waterloo, IA, one of three children of James and Ruth (Flynn) Ahern. He graduated from high school and served in the United States Air Force. He graduated from the Iowa State University in Ames, IA, with his doctorate in Veterinary Medicine.
Jim and Karen Terese Michaud met through a classmate who attended Iowa State University. (Ironically they all met up to watch the University of Iowa football game while in Boston). The couple was married on November 26, 1960 at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Presque Isle, Maine. In March of 1966, they moved to Malvern, Iowa where Jim established his veterinarian practice, with Karen organizing his schedule and doing the bookkeeping until he retired from his practice.
Jim and Karen both enjoyed attending their children's activities and sports events, both high school and college. They loved to travel and made trips to Ireland, Washington State, Arizona and especially back to Maine, to see family and friends.
Jim and Karen were married 57 years, when Karen passed away on December 15, 2017. Jim continued to live in their home with his dog "Blue". "Doc" (as he was so often called) so enjoyed his 90th birthday celebration this past April, visiting with family and the many friends he made through the years. He loved to paint and draw, collect sports memorabilia, and was an avid Iowa State fan. Jim donated to numerous catholic charities and was a very devoted religious man. He will be truly missed by all who knew and loved him.
In addition to his beloved wife Karen, Jim was preceded in death by his parents; brother John Ahern and wife Susan; and brother-in-law Bruce McDonald.
Jim is survived by his children, Stefanie Shaw and husband John of Tabor, IA, James Ahern and his wife Vicki of Kearney, NE, and Michele Ahern of Kansas City, MO; sister Judy McDonald of Winnipeg, Manitoba; brother-in-law Kenny Michaud of Kimberling City, MO; many nieces and nephews; and other relatives and friends.
Tributes
"So many memories with Doc and the family - whether it was just a Sunday dinner or all the holidays - Jim and Karen were the ultimate host. When I was a teenager he saved a number of our dogs on those midnight calls. We shared a first when he cropped my first doberman's ears. I think he was just as nervous as I was. But he did a great job. His smile is a picture in my mind I will never forget. "
"Many Great Memories with my Uncle James. Walking with him on the National Mall in DC to see a host of monuments, stopping by the Vietnam Wall to remember & honor a close friend on a beautiful DC Fall evening is a memory I will always cherish. Celebrating his 90th Birthday Party & seeing how much he enjoyed all the family & friends that traveled into town & how much he enjoyed having his great Nephews Jack, Colin & Patrick celebrate with him is great memory! You will be missed Uncle James. We can only imagine the Welcome party your brother John T has coordinated for your arrival to the Pearly Gates. Rest Easy Uncle James, May the sun shine warm upon your face; the rains fall soft upon your fields and until we meet again, may God hold you in the palm of His hand. Seamus Ahern & Family "
"How does one capture the essence of my brother? James was a man of deep faith, a man of his word, family meant everything to him, loyal to the core, to my knowledge he never said an unkind word about anyone, fantastic story teller, memory keeper of our family history, peace keeper, and so much more. For a number of years we had daily telephone chats. Quite often my brother would recall highlights of his youth. For example at the age of 13 taking the train into Chicago so he could attend a White Sox baseball game. James would always add on that one could not do this in this day and age. James was the main care giver for Karen. One day I asked if he ever thought about a care home for Karen. No way...he made a vow when they married and promised he would always take care of her. A few years ago I travelled to Iceland. James recalled spending 18 months in Iceland where he was stationed with the Air Force. As a veterinarian his job in Iceland in 1959 did not include animals. So he teamed up with the local vet to assist him. James could vividly recall the landscape. I marveled at his recall of the area around Reykjavik. I am missing and will continue to miss our daily chats. Weather, events of Malvern and the world, recall of our past joys, and so much more. To my brother who took me to movies, walked me to school every day when I was in grade one, and epitomized what a brother is and should be, I love you. "
"Dear Cousins Your Dad, my dear Uncle, also brought a smile to my face and made me laugh with his wonderful sense of humor. I will miss those calls (where his name showed up on my call display) that always started with "Hello Sweetie, its' your Uncle James how are you doing?" My thoughts and prayers are with you. I know that Uncles James is toasting all of us as he watches over. Mary Ellen"
"There are no words to ease the pain. My thoughts are with you all. "