James William Ahern of Vernon passed away on Monday, January 24, 2011. He was the son of William J. and Lillian (Bates) Ahern who died in 1997 and 1985. Jim was born in Hartford on October 7, 1956 and was raised in the 'Frog Hollow' section of Hartford attending St. Joseph Cathedral School and graduating from Northwest Catholic High in 1975. For over 30 years Jim was an employee of Manchester Memorial Hospital IT department until the time of his death. He was a great fan of UCONN football attending all home games and enjoying all his tail gaiting parties before and after each game. He was a member of the Irish American Home Society and truly enjoyed carrying on the Irish heritage he was raised in; never missing a St. Patty's Day parade both in Hartford and New York. Jim leaves his son James W. Ahern and his companion Tia Cole along with his 3 month old grandson James W. Ahern III whom he adored. Jimmy also leaves a legacy of happy and comical memories with his sister Mary Ahern Michaud and her children Christine Michaud of Bloomfield, his only niece whom he was so proud of; Eric Michaud and wife Christie of Waldwick, NJ; Patrick Michaud and wife Kristy of Torrington. Jim is survived by his devoted fiancé Sharon Maloney who has been the light of his life for the last 5 years and her children Nicole Goldberg and Jared Galica along with his step-daughter Dawn Breton, grand nieces, grand nephews, cousins and many friends. The family would like to thank the staff of Bliss I 10 and I 11 at Hartford Hospital for the devoted care and compassion given to Jim. The wake will be held at John F. Tierney Funeral Home, 219 West Center Street, Manchester from 2-4 and 6-8 on Thursday, January 27th. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, January 28th 10:00 am at the Cathedral of St. Joseph, 140 Farmington Avenue, Hartford followed by interment at Mt. St. Benedict Cemetery, Bloomfield. The family requests that memorial donations be made to the James W. Ahern, III Education Fund, c/o Windsor Federal Savings Bank, 250 Broad Street, Windsor, CT. 06095. Jim was a very gentle and kind person, always finding the good in everyone. A simple act of kindness daily would be the greatest tribute to his memory. For online condolences please visit www.tierneyfuneralhome.com.