James Paul Ahlquist

James Paul Ahlquist of Arcadia, Missouri passed away suddenly, at home on June 20, 2022 in Arcadia Missouri at the age of 65 years. He was born April 23, 1957, in St. Louis, Missouri, the son of the late Clyde Cramer and Marian Matilda (Krusz) Ahlquist. Jim’s youth was spent in St. Louis. He played many sports but was particularly skilled at soccer. Despite being awarded an athletic scholarship from a Division One college, Jim chose to begin a career in business as soon as he graduated from Webster Groves High School. On October 27, 1978, Jim was united in marriage to Denise Lynn McClune, the love of his life, who survives. Jim and Denise had two sons: Franklin Ahlquist of Denver, Colorado, and Matthew Ahlquist (Tiffany) of Kansas City Missouri. Jim leaves behind two precious grandchildren whom he adored, Matt and Tiffany’s sons Brody Ahlquist and Bryson Ahlquist. In addition, Matt has helped raise Tiffany’s two daughters from a previous relationship, Destiny Leonard, and Erin Leonard. Also left to mourn his death are two brothers: John Ahlquist (Betty) of St. Louis, Missouri, and Murray Ahlquist (Sandy) of Clackamas, Oregon as well as a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives, and many friends. Jim’s loyalty in the business world is established by his lengthy career with Veritiv. He worked in the finance department, where he retired after 20 years of service. Upon retirement he and Denise moved to Arcadia Valley, and he spent his “retirement” working in sales for The Mountain Echo and the Dockins Radio Group. He was a member of the Arcadia Valley Chamber of Commerce. Jim enjoyed fishing, traveling, being outdoors, all kinds of sports, especially those that involved his boys. He was an ardent Kansas City Chiefs fan. Jim was a people person and there was nothing he enjoyed more than meeting new people and getting to know them. Most of all he loved his family and spending time together with them. Join us for a Celebration of Life in memory of Jim. Saturday, August 27, 2022, anytime between the hours of 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. American Legion Post, 7300 Lansdowne Ave, Shrewsbury, Missouri, 63119. Memorials may be made to the Arcadia Valley Food Pantry or the Ozark Regional Library Foundation.