James Jim Leroy Ahrens, 62, of Kennewick, WA, died Dec. 21, 2008. Jim was born January 29, 1946, in Redwood Falls, Minnesota, the son of Irvin Bud Ahrens and Nina Brace Ahrens. He graduated from Redwood Falls High School in 1964. In 1965 he moved to the Tri-City area with his older sister Jean, husband Jerry Baune, and their children. Jim married Sandra Steele in 1966 and they divorced in 1972. Jim served in the active Army National Guard from 1963 - 1969 in Minnesota and Washington, and he continued to serve inactive from 1969 - 1971. Jim worked for Westinghouse Hanford for almost 30 years, then pursued a life long dream to be a long haul truck driver, from which he retired in 2006. Jim enjoyed watching NASCAR, fishing, hunting, and golfing with friends and family. Jim is survived by his son Tim Ahrens, Kennewick, WA; sister Rita Lewis Arnold, Litchfield, MN.; a very special brother-in-law, Jerry Baune, Ontario OR.; nieces, Pam Matsubu, Fruitland ID.; Linda Smith, Ontario, OR,; Karen Baune, Ontario, OR.; nephew Ken Baune, Bend, OR.; and several cousins, nieces, and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents, sisters Jean Baune, and Barb Lemkey. A Memorial Service will be held Saturday, Jan. 3, 2009, 1:00pm, at Mueller's Tri-Cities Funeral Home, 1401 S. Union St., Kennewick WA. Reception will be held in Mueller's Hospitality Room immediately following service.