James A. Ahlfield, 94, formerly of Olney, Illinois, went to be with his Savior, The Lord Jesus Christ, on Palm Sunday, March 29, 2026, at St. Charles Healthcare in Jasper, Indiana. Jim lived a life of service and made a lot of lives better from his caring love and encouragement.
James “Jim” Ahlfield, born June 3,1931, in West Salem, Illinois. He was the son of Edwin Henry and Harriet Dorothy (Knakmuhs) Ahlfield. Jim and his beloved wife Evelyn were married 65 years until her passing in 2016.
Jim began serving in the United States Air Force in Supply & Logistics and Movie Projectionist. His 20 years’ service culminated as an Electronics Instructor. During his time in the USAF, he also completed a Bachelor’s Degree in Botany on the GI Bill at U of MS.
Jim loved education personally as well as being an educator for children and adults. He earned a Master’s Degree in Business Administration and Specialist Degree in Education at Eastern Illinois University. He taught Electronics at Wabash Valley College in addition to GED classes. He then worked at East Richland High School as a Guidance Counselor. Ultimately, he served as a Principal and Superintendent at various elementary schools in Illinois, Oklahoma, and North Carolina. Jim and Evie were short term missionaries at Red Bird Mission, Appalachia, KY; Heifer Project INTL, Little Rock, AR; and Sheldon Jackson College, Sitka, AK.
Jim is survived by his children: Dorothy “Dottie” (David) House, of Montrose, CO; Margaret “Peggy” (Paul) Souchek of Woodstock, IL; Michael Ahlfield of Ferdinand, IN; and Daniel (Janice) Ahlfield of Broken Arrow, OK. He is survived by sisters-in-law: Shelby Runyon of Olney, IL; Shirley Runyon-Jenkins of Mattoon, IL; Emma Lou Ahlfield of Hammond, IN; and Mary Ahlfield of Pana, IL, in addition to many grandchildren and great grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his wife Evelyn Margaret “Evie” Ahlfield, son James Douglas “Doug” Ahlfield as well as his siblings: Henry A., Charles A., Jerome A., Minnie A., George A., Dora Hale, Carl A., Laura Spray, Lura Briggs, Enoch A., Imogene Scott, and Herman A.
Jim’s Celebration of Life Service will be observed on Saturday, May 30, 2026, 10:00 AM at the First Presbyterian Church, Olney, IL. Pastor Don Millman will be officiating. The VFW Post 4226 Honor Guard will perform the Military Honors Ceremony, graveside at the Memorial Gardens of Haven Hills Cemetery, Olney, IL, immediately after the service. Please return to the Church for the Family Visitation with a Luncheon and Fellowship. In lieu of flowers, please direct memorial donations to “Friends of Olney Public Library.”
Jim will be missed by his extended family, many dear relatives, friends, and all who encountered him on this earth. He is celebrating in HEAVEN today, waiting for us to join him. We rejoice in the hope we have of eternal life because of Christ’s death and resurrection for each of us. HOLY BIBLE:1 Thessalonians 4:13-18
JW ORG says
So sorry for your loss at this time. We will keep you and your family in our thoughts and prayers.
Judy Connor says
I am so sorry for your loss. It’s hard to lose ones dad. May God’s love and comfort give you His peace.
Dan Kinman says
My sincerest condolences to Jim’s family. It was a privilege to have known him during my younger years. He always had words of wisdom to share, even if I did not always listen as carefully as I should have. I know he will be deeply missed by those who loved him.