James Van Ashley

Jim was born on September 7, 1943 in Checotah, OK. He had 3 brothers and 2 sisters of whom all are deceased now. Jim was blessed with 2 sons – Rick Ashley of Wichita, KS and Van Ashley along with his wife Lyndsey of Nebraska City, NE and one daughter Connie Gregory with her husband Dan of Jefferson, Tx.

Jim served in the Air Force for a period of 8 years in service to his country as a jet mechanic during the Vietnam War era. He was proud of his service and was honored and thankful when he was invited to go to Washington DC on an honor flight trip to recognize his service and sacrifice to our Country.

Jim had the good fortune of meeting Cathy Morrow in 1993. They took their vows of matrimony on May 8, 1998 here at St. Vincent DePaul parish by Father Mike Baldwin. Cathy was blessed with 4 sons – Mark Morrow and his wife Denise, Michael Morrow and his wife Windy, Matthew Morrow and his wife Tobie, Eric Morrow and his wife Catherine. With Jim and Cathy’s 7 children their family has been graced with 15 grandchildren and 22 great grandchildren.

Jim had many activities that made him happy, but his 2 favorite hobbies were fishing and playing pool.

One of the very happiest times in Jim’s life (other than having friends or family over to their home for fish fries) was going to RCIA with his very close friend Bob Grelinger who sponsored Jim to become a member of the Roman Catholic church at the Easter Vigil Mass on April 23rd, 2011. Another reason for this event being so special is Windy Morrow the wife of Michael also went through the same RCIA program at the same time as Jim with Cathy being her sponsor. The two of them were Baptized and received the sacrament of Confirmation together making for a very special and memorable moment in his life.

Shortly after his baptism Bob Grelinger approached Jim on a Sunday after mass saying “well, now that you’re a baptized Catholic, how would you like to join our Knights of Columbus Council here at St. Vincent DePaul”? Jim was caught a little off guard but did agree to do just that and became a KofC member shortly after that day.

Jim loved the Knights of Columbus and was a great addition to the Council with his dedication to be of service to others. Some of his favorite events to volunteer for were helping his brother Knights to prepare and serve the Sausage and Pancakes breakfasts. Jim was the first person I had the good fortune to be trained by for my very first breakfast. He showed me how to set up the dining area with placemats, Salt & Pepper Shakers, Finger Rosaries and prayer cards. He also showed me the way our Knights team would clean and warm the syrup bottles in preparation for the meal. Other events he enjoyed helping with and serving at was grilling the hamburgers and hot dogs on Friday for the Vacation Bible school groups meal for the children and their Families, Smoked Ribs, Hot Links and Ham Fundraisers. He was readily available assisting religious vocation members, elderly and parishioners in moving into their new residences. He was a regular to volunteer for our Habitat for Humanity work days and enjoyed getting to know the family who was going to be living in the new home while helping out with building their new home. His time with the parish at St. Vincent DePaul and the KofC brought Jim a stronger faith and led him to be more like our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Jim was one of the most servant-oriented people I happened to have the pleasure of knowing.

Another one of Jim’s passions and love was being able to assist Bob and Susan Grelinger with their Christmas Tree farm. He would join in many of the duties to keep the trees healthy, by watering, shaping them properly and to assist during the sales season from Thanksgiving to Christmas. Jim would also help to deliver and set up the donated Christmas trees from the Grelinger farm to the Nativity scene area at St. Vincent DePaul every year.

Jim’s last couple of years were difficult for him while dealing with many health issues, which were caused by his cancer which required several surgeries and many trips around the region for appointments and medical care. Recently another bout with Leukemia was added to his troubles. The medical staff did their best to care for and keep Jim comfortable during these end days and we all appreciate their dedication. We all take comfort knowing God has eased Jim’s suffering and called him to his heavenly home. This isn’t goodbye but a bidding of, until we meet again in God’s heavenly home prepared for us.