James Ashley, Sr.

On January 2, 2021, James Ashley Sr. was called home to get his reward in Heaven. He has finished his course and won the race and he enjoyed his life. James was born in Clinton, North Carolina to the late Thomas and Annie Bell Ashley.

He graduated from Sampson High School in 1957 and he was baptized at an early age at First Baptist Church of Clinton, North Carolina. He attended Rutgers University in New Brunswick, New Jersey and attended the First Baptist church in Somerset, New Jersey.

James always loved and provided for his family. He was very good with his hands thus he became a diligent and faithful butcher at several top supermarkets in New Jersey for over 20 years. James retired from United Insurance Company as a licensed underwriter.

James loved jazz, rhythm and blues, soul and all kinds of good popular music. He was known for wiring speakers throughout his home to always have music on. He also loved to dance. And, don't forget about those cowboy movies he loved so much.

James was a loving and compassionate person to everyone he met. He always had an open door to all family and friends.

James was a member of Round Top Baptist Church in Blythewood, South Carolina.

He was preceded in death by 4 brothers and 5 sisters.

James is survived by his dear and loving wife of 35 years Deloris Ashley; his son James (Stephanie) Ashley Jr., Hinesville, GA; daughter Vanessa Ashley, Orlando, FL; sister Maggie Lane, NC; stepchildren, Malcolm (Mary) Wall SC, Samantha (Johnny) Laidler CA, Charles (Nina) Wall TX and Torledo Wall SC.; adopted children, William Ashley Germany, Carolyn Ashley CA, Kenney Ashley AZ, Tavon Ashley NC; ten grandchildren, nineteen great-grandchildren.

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