James Ashley, Jr.

**SERVICE CHANGE** ALL ARE WELCOME TO ATTEND GRAVESIDE SERVICES AT 2:00 P.M., THURSDAY, DECEMBER 6, 2018 IN THE CHOUTEAU NORTH CEMETERY. PLEASE COME AND REMEMBER THE LIFE OF JAMES ASHLEY, JR. AT THE GRAVESIDE AS WELL AS THE VISITATION ON SUNDAY FROM 3-5 PM. ***

James Walter Ashley, Jr, 74, of Chouteau, passed away on Thursday, November 29, 2018 in Pryor. He was born on January 16, 1944 in Ada, Oklahoma; the son of James Walter and Mildred Marie (McDonald) Ashley. He graduated from Tulsa Webster High School in 1961. James enlisted in the United States Marine Corps on February 28, 1963 and faithfully served his country until January 20, 1967. He worked within the Marine Corps as an air traffic control man and was also proud to have earned the Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, National Defense Medal and the Good Conduct Medal for his service. After being honorably discharged from the military, James went on to earn his teaching degree from Bacone College and his master’s degree in education from Northeastern State University. James worked for many years teaching High School English and coaching girls’ softball and high school football at Chouteau Public Schools. He touched many lives throughout his teaching career and enjoyed each one of his students. James also enjoyed going golfing, reading and spending time with his grandchildren. He was a wonderful father and grandfather, educator and friend, who leaves behind a wonderful legacy for his friends and family to remember.

Memorial visitation will be held from 3:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m., on Sunday, December 2, 2018 in the Shipman’s Funeral Home Chapel for friends to share memories and stories. Graveside services will be held at 2:00 p.m., Thursday, December 6, 2018 in the Chouteau North Cemetery in Chouteau. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Chouteau Public Library. To leave his family a message, please visit his Tribute Wall at www.shipmansfuneralhome.com. Cremation arrangements are under the direction of Shipman’s Funeral & Cremation Service.

James is survived by his son, Jim Bob Ashley and wife Jennifer of Chouteau, Oklahoma; daughter, Jennifer Haynes and husband Shawn of Mounds, Oklahoma; brother in law, Jim Nofsinger an wife Diane of Chouteau, Oklahoma; grandchildren, Ashton Haynes, Haddie Ashley, Norah Ashley, and Jessie Ashley; and many other relatives and friends. He is preceded in death by his wife, Betty Ashley and parents, James Walter and Mildred Marie Ashley.