James Ahner
Granite City | Save
James “Jim” Albert Ahner, 86, of Granite City, Illinois, passed away peacefully on July 7, 2025, surrounded by the love of his family at his daughter’s home in Lascassas, Tennessee.
Born on August 13, 1938, in Bovina, Mississippi, Jim was the beloved son of the late William A. Ahner and Mary Katherine (Barrett) Ahner. He proudly served his country in the United States Navy, embodying the values of honor, duty, and devotion.
On June 9, 1962, Jim married the love of his life, Ava Irene Murray, in Vicksburg, Mississippi. Their marriage was a shining example of commitment and unconditional love until Ava's passing on September 8, 2020. Together, they built a life full of faith, family, and joy.
Jim was a longtime member of Grace Baptist Church in Granite City, where he found deep spiritual fulfillment and community. He retired as an electrician from Boeing, where he dedicated many years of his life with unmatched work ethic and integrity.
A true outdoorsman at heart, Jim found joy in hunting, fishing, and working with his hands in woodworking projects. But his greatest passion was his family. A devoted father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, Jim’s greatest happiness came from time spent with his loved ones. His warmth, quiet strength, and steadfast love will be forever missed and fondly remembered.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his cherished wife, Ava; his siblings, Anita Nelson, W.D. “Bud” Ahner, F.D. “Butch” Ahner and Margie Scott; and a grandson, Nathan Osborn.
Left to carry on his legacy are his devoted children, Kimberly (Michael) Osborn of Lascassas, TN, and Jeffery Ahner of Granite City, IL; his dear sister; his treasured grandchildren, Jonathan, Levi, Peter, and Isaac Osborn; and great-grandchildren, Connor and Abigail; sisters-in-law, Nettie Boone and Sandra Chartrand; brother-in-law, Donnie Hudson; He also leaves behind many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends whose lives he touched with his kindness and wisdom.
A celebration of Jim’s life will be held on Friday, July 11, 2025, at Irwin Chapel in Granite City, Illinois. Visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m., followed by the funeral service at 11:00 a.m., officiated by Pastor Neil Chartrand. Jim will be laid to rest beside his beloved Ava at Sunset Hill Memorial Estates in Glen Carbon, Illinois.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Gideons International, P.O. Box 97251, Washington, DC 20090-7251, in honor of Jim’s lifelong faith and commitment to sharing God’s Word.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.irwinchapel.com.
Irwin Chapel Funeral Home
