In 1973, Paradise Memorial Gardens was opened at 9300 E. Shea Boulevard to serve the growing population of northern Scottsdale. Paradise Memorial Crematory was opened in 1977, and was at that time only the fourth crematory in Arizona.

The Messinger family remains the sole owner of Paradise Memorial Gardens and Crematory.

Jim Ahearne has over 30 years in the funeral industry, is a licensed Funeral Director, a Certified Cremation Instructor, and has managed Paradise Memorial Crematory since 1992. Jim is past President of both the Arizona Funeral Director's Association and the Arizona Cemetery Association. He is currently working with the Castle Foundation, a non-profit organization that raises funds for childrens' orthodontic work. Jim designed and developed the Cremation Tracking System used by many crematories around the world. Born in South Dakota, but raised in Scottsdale, Jim graduated from the University of Minnesota.