Dr. James J. Ahern

Dr. James J. Ahern, age 86, beloved husband for 62 years to Ann, nee Ferretti. Loving father of Ann Marie (Richard) Geary, James D. (Camille), Thomas J. (Mary Ann) and the late baby Michael John. Cherished grandfather of Mark (Letitia) Geary, Dennis (Carrie) Geary, Lisa Geary, Alyssa Ahern, Jim Ahern, Coady Ahern, Sean Ahern and Colleen Ahern. Dear brother of Sr. Denisia Ahern, and the late Mary (late Ray) Morris, Sr., Betty (late Richard) Kohs, and Marguerite (George) Adhloch. Dear uncle of many nieces and nephews. After graduating from Quigley, Dr. Ahern received a Ph.B. from St. Mary of the Lake Seminary, a MA in English from De Paul University, a B.A. in Education from Loyola University, an advanced degree in supervision, administration and guidance from De Paul University and, in 1983, a Ph.D. in Curriculum Development from Sarasota University. During his years as an educator and administrator Dr. Ahern served as Assistant Principal of Hirsch High School. During this time he was also a member of the North Central Visitation Committee, a team of education experts that evaluated area high schools. In 1979 Dr. Ahern was appointed principal of Bowen High School. While at Hirsch and Bowen High Schools Dr. Ahern was active in numerous professional and community organizations, including the Illinois High School Association, the Chicago Teachers Union, the National Congress of Parents and Teachers and the Chicago Public High Schools Athletic Association. The civic and community organizations in which he was involved included the South Chicago Chamber of Commerce, the Mexican Community Organization, the Ada McKinley Neighborhood House and the Fourth Police District Steering Committee. As an avocation, Dr. Ahern officiated numerous collegiate and high school football and basketball games. He vividly remembered being the referee on three IHSA state football championship games. For over thirty-three years he had been a distinguished member of the Central Officials Association, entering their Hall of Fame in April 1986. Over the years, Dr. Ahern and his wife, Ann, have devoted many hours of service to both St. Denis Parish and St. Julie Billiart Parish, where they are currently parishioners. Dr. Ahern has served as a member of the Pastoral Council and building committees and as a Eucharistic minister for both parishes; he was a senior server, a cemetery committal minister, a minister of care, a minister of praise, a children's liturgist, a lector and an 8th grade teacher of religious education at St. Julie Billiart Parish. As a Quigley student Dr. Ahern was a member of the Cathedral Choristers, the Gregorian Choir, the St Francis Xavier Society, the Glee Club, Le Petit Seminaire's business staff, a Monogram Club member and a Beadsman. Through the years Dr. Ahern has been an active alumnus, supporting various Quigley programs, including the St. James Chapel window restoration effort, the 50th Anniversary graduation organizing committee and numerous fundraising events through the years. Dr Ahern fondly remembered the dedicated Quigley priest faculty and staff, singing as a Cathedral Chorister, at the requiem for Cardinal Mundelein, the annual school plays and the sporting events. Visitation Sunday, October 23, 2011 from 2-9 PM. Funeral Monday, October 24, 2011 10:30 a.m. from Colonial Chapel 15525 S. 73rd Ave.(155th/Wheeler Dr. & Harlem), Orland Park, IL to St. Julie Billiart Church, Mass 11:15 a.m. Interment Good Shepherd Cemetery. In lieu of flowers memorials to the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation, 811 West Evergreen Ave., Suite 204, Chicago, IL 60642 preferred. Express your thoughts and condolences at www.colonialchapel.com 708-532-5400