James J. Ahern

Lt. Col. James J. Ahern AUS, Retired

Publisher & Decorated WWII Veteran

James J. Ahern, of Bethlehem, died on July 24th. He was the husband of Mary Eells Ahern.

Born in Philadelphia, PA, he was the son of the late John and Mary Larkey Ahern.

Mr. Ahern was a graduate of St. Thomas More High School in Philadelphia. After graduation he entered the PA. National Guard and served in the 104th Calvary unit. During WWII he graduated from Officer Candidate School at Ft. Benning, GA. and was commissioned a 2nd Lieutenant where he served as an infantry division platoon leader. He served in the South Pacific during the war. He served with the 147th Infantry Regiment and fought in the Battle of Iwo Jima and with the 96th Infantry Division during the Battle of Okinawa. For his efforts in these battles he received 2 Bronze Stars and was awarded 2 Purple Hearts for wounds he sustained. In addition he received numerous other commendations and battle stars. A lengthy article was published about his experiences during the Battle of Iwo Jima in the Allentown Morning Call in April 2005 which commemorated the 60th anniversary of that battle. He was quoted in various articles and books regarding these experiences in the South Pacific Theatre of battle. He continued with his service to his country by serving over 30 years with the US Army Reserves' 79th Division, retiring with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel.

After a successful career in the insurance industry Mr. Ahern bought the Catholic Shop in downtown Bethlehem. At the time it was located in the old Arcade Building but then moved to New Street. He transformed the business from a traditional religious goods store selling medals and statues into the leading Catholic bookstore serving the Allentown Diocese. In addition to selling books he also published the works of authors he met at various national conferences. Some of these books were used in parochial high schools nationwide in their Religious Education curricula. He even expanded internationally when Mr. Ahern's business supplied Catholic chaplains' CCD groups on military bases throughout the world.

After retiring Mr. Ahern turned to some of the loves of his life which included classical music, travel, reading and military history. He served as the president of the East Hills Civic Association and also spent time helping widows with their issues in dealing with the VA system. He was an avid proponent of the Internet as a repository of facts at his fingertips and a great way to communicate with family and friends around the world. He enjoyed getting weekly updates from his children and hearing about the latest exploits of his grandchildren. He was a member of St. Anne's parish in Bethlehem.

Survivors include his wife of 62 years, Mary, son James J. Ahern Jr. Judy of Narberth, PA, daughter Dr. Maryellen P. Ahern Dodson, MD Donald Dodson, MD of Saucon Valley, PA and son Dr. Thomas S. Ahern, MD Susan of Coronado, CA. He is survived by 7 grandchildren Sean, Conor, Brendan, Thomas Sean, Meghan, Patrick and Caitlin, 3 step grandchildren Elizabeth, Sarah and Maggie Dodson as well as numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by 7 sisters and brothers.

A viewing will be held from 5 PM until 7 PM on August 18th, followed immediately by a Mass of Christian Burial at St. Anne's Catholic Church in Bethlehem. Burial will be in Arlington National Cemetery in Washington, DC on August 20, 2008. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to either La Salle University Annual Fund, c/o La Salle University Advancement Office, 1900 W. Olney Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19141 or St. Anne's Parish Building Fund, c/o St. Anne's Parish, 450 E. Washington Avenue, Bethlehem, PA 18017.