James (Jim) Ashley was born in Salida, CO November 5, 1937, and he passed away peacefully October 1, 2025. In the nearly 88 years in between, Jim left an indelible mark on everyone he met.
Jim was a man of few words. He didn’t need them. His integrity, character, love, and hard work spoke for themselves and defined who he was.
He spent his childhood years in the mining town of Bonanza, CO until he moved to Salida with his parents and two siblings. Jim graduated from Salida High School in 1955, and immediately began his blue-collar career. In 1959, Jim married Joyce (Plewes), and they spent the next 66 years together.
Jim was a loving husband, father, neighbor, and friend. There weren’t many things he couldn’t fix, and there was no one he was unwilling to help. Jim is remembered fondly by the many individuals with whom he worked during his 27 years at Climax Mine and 30-plus years directing maintenance at Salida’s Mt. Shavano Manor. He was a model for his children and others, and his legacy and impact will live on in them.
Jim is survived by his wife, Joyce; three children, Tim Ashley(Tami), Wanda Walrod, and Tom Ashley (Keri); sister, Margaret Graves; brothers-in-law Charley Plewes and Gary Plewes (Gloria); sister-in-law Pam Eggleston (Micah); nine grandchildren, Kirsten (John), Amy (Kevin), Lauren (Amar), Courtney (Matt), Brianna, Austin (Destanie), Alyssa, Trevor, and Chase; eight great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; and many nieces and nephews.
Jim is preceded in death by his parents John and Genevieve Ashley, brother Jack Ashley, daughter Wendy Ashley, and son-in-law Larry Walrod.
A memorial service for Jim will be held 10:00 AM Saturday, October 11th at Salida’s First Presbyterian Church with interment to follow at Fairview Cemetery and a reception at Mt. Shavano Manor community hall
To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of James (Jim) Ashley, please visit our Tree Store.
