by Maris Cohen
KALAMAZOO, Mich.--Jeffrey R. Ahson, a celebrated Navy veteran, firefighter, and former car salesman, died of complications from emphysema last night at his home. He was 79.
Mr. Ahson received a Purple Heart and a Navy Cross for his heroic efforts in World War II, where he was a petty officer aboard the USS Emory. During the Battle of Midway, Mr. Ahson crossed the burning deck of the ship to save the lives of four injured sailors and gun down three enemy aircrafts. He was later promoted to ensign.
"Ahson was a genuine American hero," said Jeraldine Fyfe, Lt. Commander of the U.S. Navy in a statement released by Naval Public Relations.
Born in Chico, Calif., Mr. Ahson moved to Kalamazoo in 1946 and began working as a firefighter. He then got a job as a car salesman at Don Seelye's Ford, where he worked until his retirement in 1985.
Mr. Ahson also collected firefighting memorabilia throughout his life and would display his collection often at local elementary schools. The remainder of his collection can be found at the Kalamazoo Valley Museum.
In his spare time, Mr. Ahson ushered at the John Calvin Presbyterian Church and belonged to the National Checkers Assosciation, Elks Lodge, and Gideon's International. He was also a member of American Legion Post 702 and VFW Post 4206.
Mr. Ahson is survived by his wife, Therese Alpert, of Kalamazoo, and his three children, Richard D. Ahson of Phillipsburg, Kan.; Angela Molina of Omaha, Neb.; and Lela Stalling of Pipe Creek, Texas. He is also survived by his brother, Henry Ahson of San Francisco, two sisters, Judith Eaker of Reidsville, N.C. and Shirley Solomon of Newark, N.J., five grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren.
Viewings will occur from 4 to 5:30 p.m. and from 7:30 to 9 p.m. on Friday. Services will be held on Saturday at 10 a.m. at the Littleton Mortuary. The burial will take place at the Memorial Park Cemetery immediately following the service. The family requests no flowers.
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