James Earl Ashley

March 11, 1949 - August 17, 2021

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. 

In Loving Memory

So sorry for your loss, Krissie. Prayers of peace & comfort to you and your family. - Diana

Diana (Yang) Long

Burbank, CA

My condolences Krissie for your loss.  I hope you are doing OK and a big hug coming your way whenever I see you next.  Please take care of yourself...

Mike Jones

Bountiful, UT

Jim was a good boss and fishing buddy.  I'm sorry for you loss. 

Mike Packer

West Jordan, UT

Our deepest and most sincere condolences Krissie. With love, Rob and Joni Dahle

Joni Dahle

Holladay, Ut

Krissie & Mei Ling IE, I am truly sorry for your loss. Uncle Jim will be missed by everyone he's met and touched. I have soooo many wonderful happy memories of our summers together, swimming, concerts, amusement parks, etc. I loved the fact that our parents would make a plan for us to meet half way wherever we were going to go on another adventure together. Lets keep those traditionals alive. Family First! ❤️ Love you Uncle Jim in Heaven; please give the greatest hugs to Jeffy and my mommy! ❤️

Carol Cross

San Antonio, Tx

He was my first cousin (Walter and Louise Ashley, my parents), groomsman at our wedding and a loving person and great friend. It was great to see how he lived his life and his family. He will be greatly missed.   Love and sorry for your loss, Pat and Chuck    

Pat & Chuck Crookshanks

Suffolk, VA

This is the first time I'm hearing of his passing. What an incredible man with a huge presence. My most sincere heartfelt  condolences to all of you. It was an honor that I got to meet him on a few occasions. I sure love you Krissie. God bless your beloved mother and all of you. May you find peace and happiness in all of your beloved memories. Hugs all around.

Kathryn Nunley

Murray, UT

In Loving Memory

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