Jim D Ashford

Jim Ashford of Sandpoint, Idaho passed away August 1^st 2019 surrounded by family. Jim was born on November 23^rd, 1942 in Stafford, Kansas.

Jim’s childhood in LaBarge, Wyoming, gave him a lifelong love of the mountains. He was happiest surrounded by family, laughing around the campfire, getting in squirt gun wars with his great nieces, and riding on his tractor with his grandson.

Jim's idea of family visits was everyone working together getting firewood, cleaning up the yard, clearing downed trees, building gravel pads, mending fences and mowing to name a few.  At the end of each day was a campfire that would last until all hours of the night telling stories and making new memories.  Jim was a great storyteller. 

Jim worked in the oilfield his entire career throughout the West and at Prudhoe Bay, Alaska. He loved his work and the people.

Jim was seldom without a dog by his side. They were such a part of who he was. He never cared for cats, but Marti brought one home one day and of course, the cat followed Jim everywhere for 18 years. If you listened closely, sometimes you could hear him talking to the cat, although he would never admit it.

Jim was a soft-spoken, quiet man and wasn't one for crowds but would love to just sit and visit.  He enjoyed many hours over the years at the Sub Shoppe in Kootenai visiting with LeAnna, Barb and Crissy.  To Jim, they were his second family. Each Veterans Day for five years, they invited veterans to come and share lunch at the Sub Shoppe.   Jim always looked forward to meeting and visiting with veterans and active duty military. These men and women truly touched Jim's heart.

In 2010, Jim and Marti created the Junior Garnier and Bud Ashford Military Veterans Fund in honor of their fathers. The Fund supports organizations in Bonner and Boundary counties serving military veterans.  Donations are accepted through the Idaho Community Foundation, 210 W. State St., Boise, ID 83702 or at idcomfdn.org.

Jim is survived by his wife of 46 years, Marti Ashford, his daughters Kathi Ashford and Leslie (Brian) Riley, grandson Blue Riley, mother Joy Ashford, sisters Nancy Robbins and Connie Whittaker, nephews Justin Housley and Mike (Marcy) Whittaker, niece Karen Hatfield, great nieces Hannah Rose and Gracie Jean Housley, great nephews Gavin and Thomas Whittaker, and his dogs Maggie and Ellie.

He was preceded in death by his father Osborn Ashford, his son Glenn Ashford, and his niece Traci Graham.

A private service was held in Wyoming, August 9, 2019 by Coffelt Funeral Home.