James Patrick Ahern

James "Jim" Patrick Ahern, age 68, formerly of St. Pete Beach, passed away peacefully in his home in Seminole, FL on February 24, 2017, surrounded by loving family members. Jim was born July 9, 1948, in Detroit, MI., where he graduated from St. Mary’s of Redford High School in 1966. Jim served 10 years in the US Air Force as an air traffic controller and was stationed in the Philippines during the Vietnam War. He moved to Saint Petersburg in 1978, and for the past 18 years, he owned and operated Ahern’s Auto Care in South Pasadena. Jim loved Harleys and had a passion for riding. Over the past 15 years, Jim, his wife, Janet, daughter, Cherri, son-in-law, Michael, and many of his wonderful friends enjoyed great motorcycle trips across Florida. Jim is survived by his loving wife, Janet (Brubaker) Ahern, mother, Mary Ahern, daughter, Cherri Lynn Nolan (Michael) and granddaughter, Makayla Nolan; two sons, Stephen Miller (Sharon) and Christopher Miller; sister, Diane Zurcher; brothers, Richard (Arbutus), Patrick, Lawrence (Maureen) and Timothy; nephews, James Zurcher (Judy), Richard, Gary, Patrick Collins (Jessica), Joseph (Yvette), and T.J. (Brittany); nieces, Sandy Zurcher, Rachel Acevedo (Javier), Lauren, Lindsay Anderson (Andrew), Sarah Kosterlitz (Chase) and Bridget Smith (Donald). Jim had a gift for making people laugh and smile, often times through his funny jokes and sarcasm. He was loved by many in the community for his kindness, generosity and willingness to help others. He was respected as a small business owner by his many customers and his long-time employees. Jim’s Family will honor him with a Military Honors Service at Bay Pines National Cemetery in St. Petersburg, at 2:15 p.m. on Tuesday, March 21. The family would like to encourage those who ride or have ridden motorcycles with Jim in the past to please ride their motorcycle to lead the procession. Motorcycles will need to line up no later than 2:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that donations be made in his honor to Suncoast Hospice. Funeral arrangements are under the care of Beach Memorial Chapel, St. Pete Beach, 727-360-5577.