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Submitted: 9/19/23 • Approved: 9/20/23 • Last Updated: 9/23/23 • R275488-G0-S3
Section 12 Columbarium #4
James Robert Ahlers
February 18, 1960 - March 10, 2020
Sioux Falls, SD ~ James “Jim” Robert Ahlers, age 60, died on Tuesday, March 10, 2020 in Arlington, SD. DUE TO THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC, THE MEMORIAL VISITATION HAS BEEN POSTPONED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE. HIS FAMILY IS GRATEFUL FOR ALL THE MESSAGES AND PRAYERS. THEY WILL HAVE A PUBLIC GATHERING TO CELEBRATE JIM'S LIFE ONCE THE PANDEMIC HAS PASSED.
James was born to Alvin and Jean (Kobberman) Ahlers in Sioux Falls, SD. He was raised and received his education in Sioux Falls, graduating from Lincoln High School. James continued his education at Lake Area Technical Institute in Watertown, SD where he studied aircraft maintenance, earning his mechanic’s certificate. James spent his career working on airplanes and obtained his private pilot’s license. He spent many years working for Business Aviation at the Sioux Falls Airport, and later owned his own business, Ahlers Aviation. James loved aviation and missed the airport. He always looked up when a plane flew overhead and still tracked flight patterns online. He was currently living in Arlington, SD and working as a mechanic for Bunker Construction.
James was united in marriage with Jean Faeth and from this union was blessed with two daughters, Cassandra and Abby. James was a loving father who never missed attending his daughters’ band concerts and soccer games.
James was later united in marriage with Bert Griffin, whom he called the love of his life.
James loved spending time with his brothers hunting, flying kites, playing Frisbee, riding his motorcycle, or going on ski trips. He also had a passion for music and loved attending concerts. James was a loving father, son, brother, uncle, and friend who will be deeply missed.
Grateful for having shared his life are his two daughters, Cassandra (Eric) Nicolai, Garretson, SD and Abby (Mitchell) Shafer, Sioux Falls, SD; his mother, Jean Ahlers, Sioux Falls, SD; siblings, Rick (Kim) Ahlers, Valley Springs, SD, Deb (Terry) McFarlane, Sioux Falls, SD, David (Diane) Ahlers, Orono, MN, Daniel (Ruth) Ahlers, LaFayette, CO, Janis (Dennis) Porto, West Des Moines, IA and Mike (Laura) Ahlers, Aurora, CO; many nieces, nephews and other relatives; his ex-wife, Bert Griffin, Sioux Falls, SD and close friend, Glen Rasmussen, Wessington Springs, SD.
James was preceded in death by his father, Alvin F. Ahlers.
All of the wonderful blessings that James had: talent, friendships, positive outlook on life, and, most importantly, family suffered the last few years due to the terrible disease of alcohol addiction. Even though James and his loved ones were affected deeply by this disease, it did not define his life. If you or someone you know is having difficulties with addiction, please seek help and know that help is out there.
Contributed on 9/19/23 by 9katz
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Record #: 275488