James Earl Ashley

It is with such sadness that we announce the passing of Jim Ashley on August 17, 2021. Jim was a loving husband, doting father and the most amazing papa. 

 

Jim was born March 11, 1949 to Wade and Paula Ashley in Mullens, West Virginia, the second of seven children.  He graduated from Mullens High School and attended West Virginia University. From there he proudly served in the United States Air Force, serving in the Vietnam War as a Vietnamese linguist. While stationed in Taipei, Taiwan, he met and married Mei Ling.  Upon his honorable discharge from the Air Force, they returned to West Virginia where they welcomed Krissie Ling, the light of Jim’s life. 

 

After their time in West Virginia, the family moved west to Oregon, California, and finally settling in Utah in 1988. For the majority of his professional career, Jim worked in the trucking industry as a terminal operations manager. 

 

Jim enjoyed the outdoors. While Jim was an avid golfer and fisherman, his favorite past time was being papa. He held a special place in his heart for his granddaughters, Emma and Jade, and enjoyed spending all of his free time with them.  He was always there to support their numerous hobbies and provided countless rides over the years. #soccergrandpa. Jim always had a kind word for his girls making them smile at every opportunity. 

 

If you had the pleasure of knowing Jim, you knew of his playful nature and dry sense of humor. He loved to laugh and loved to meet and connect with new people. He met every one of those new friends with an overwhelming kindness. He was truly selfless and willing to do all he could to help others along his journey. He never met a happy hour he didn’t like and made it a point to plan his errands around stopping by Krissie’s house for a drink, hug and kiss, and a laugh on nearly a daily basis. Just two fingers!

 

He leaves behind his heartbroken family; his wife of 47 years, Mei Ling; daughter, Krissie (Chad), granddaughters-Emma, Jade and Avery; son, Jimmy (Toni) grandsons, Jason, John, and James; brothers, Dave (Dana); Joey (Becky); sisters, Tammy (Hank); Amy (Randy); and numerous nieces, nephews, and friends. 

 

A celebration of Jim’s life will be on Wednesday, September 29, 2021 from 6:00 to 8:00 pm at Starks Funeral Parlor located at 3651 South 900 East Salt Lake City, Utah 84106. His ashes will be interred the following day, September 30, 2021 at 1:00 pm with full Military Honors at Camp Williams 17800 South Redwood Road, Bluffdale, Utah 84065. 

 

In lieu of flowers/gifts, please raise a glass in Jim’s honor, spread kindness and love, and share a laugh with a friend. 

 

He is so loved and will be missed every day.