James L. Ashford
James Ashford Obituary
James L. Ashford, 74, of Sandoval passed away Friday, December 9, 2022, at his home. He was born on June 12, 1948, the son of George and Opal (Westfall) Ashford in Watsonville, California.
Survivors include his beloved family, children Vanessa Dillingham (Doug Marshke) of Greenwood, Indiana, and Jason Ashford of Sandoval, Illinois; 13 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; and his brother Jerry Ashford of Sandoval, Illinois.
James was preceded in death by his parents; his sisters Beverly Wickert, and Sharon Milton; brother George Ashford Jr.; and infant brother Richard Ashford.
James served his country proudly in the United States Marine Corps. James knew the value of hard work and lived out every little boy’s dream working as a lead mechanic at Boeing, making the wings for jet airplanes. He also was an over the road truck driver who never hesitated to head back out on a road trip. He enjoyed traveling to see new, beautiful landscapes, being especially fond of California, but also was glad to come back to the comforts of home. James was the proudest “Papa”, “Gpa”, who loved to spend time with his grandchildren and share stories of all their great accomplishments. He was a huge jokester that kept everyone laughing or rolling their eyes at him, as he tried to rile them up. James had many interesting hobbies, including mining for gold, watching westerns, and fishing for catfish, and sturgeon from boat, land or the back of his truck. James led a simple life with purpose, was an amazing support for his family, and a great example to everyone.
A celebration of life service will be held at a future date by the family. Memorials may be made in James’ honor to the Family’s Wishes and will be accepted for the family at the Day Macz Funeral Home in Sandoval. Online condolences and memories of james may be shared with the family by visiting www.maczfuneralhomes.com and/or on the funeral home’s Facebook page.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of James L. Ashford, please visit our floral store.
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In Loving Memory Of
James Ashford
June 12, 1948-December 9, 2022
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