James W. Ashley

James W. Ashley, 81, of Punta Gorda, FL passed away on April 9, 2021. He was born on May 3, 1939, to James and Emily Ashley in Chicago, IL.  Jim relocated to Punta Gorda, FL from Naperville, IL.  Jim honorably served in the United States Army as a Military Police Officer.  He worked as an Engineer in Heating and Air for Sears Roebuck and Company for 23 years and retired from a Heating and Air Conditioning Company after serving 40 years.

Jim loved to laugh and be around his family and friends with his huge personality.  His top priority was always his family and of course all of the family dogs.  He took great pride in that.  He loved to golf, fish, his corvettes, and could always be found by the grill, hence his nickname, “Big Jim, King of the Grill.”

Jim will be deeply missed by his loving wife Judith; daughters Julie Dodd (Tom), Jane Zollars (Kevin), Cindy Frandson (Greg), and Debbie Peters; son James Ashley (Andrea); stepdaughter Kathleen (Derek) Mason; stepson Michael (Susan) Stepps; grandchildren Katie (Cameron), Thomas and Kristen Dodd, Kenneth and Emily Zollars, William, Olivia, and Elena Ashley; step-grandchildren Madelyn Mason, and Karleigh and Dylan Stepps.  He was preceded in death by stepson Robert Stepps.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations are made to your favorite Veteran organization. 

To express condolences to the family and share in celebrating the life of James, please visit www.JohnsonTaylorFuneral.com and sign the online guestbook.  Arrangements are by Johnson Taylor Funeral and Cremation.