A wonderful, caring man who loved his family.
The Jim Ashburn I remember liked to laugh. Life was fun.
One of the jokes he nearly always played on any trip was to pretend the steering on his truck was out. So he would slide his hands around the wheel and say something to indicate that he wasn't in control. Then he would just start to laugh. Even after he had done it so many times that we pretty much ignored him, he would still laugh.
Jim liked to laugh … and drink coffee. One time I was sitting in the middle of the seat in his truck. We were on our way somewhere, probably up to Whispering Pines, and he needed both hands on the wheel. So he relegated me to holding the cup of coffee. "Don't spill it." he told me. I then made a statement about how it was remarkable that the hand could hold it steady even though the truck was bouncing around. He looked down at me and said, "Until you look at it and try not to spill it." which caused me to look at it and focus on not spilling it and then when it invariably spilled due to the truck rocking the way it was, he laughed and laughed. He knew I didn't have a chance.
I knew Jim in three different ways, I worked for him mucking out drywall (cleaning up after he and Steve had finished), Boy Scouts, and as a friend. To be completely honest, he was always a friend even when he was the boss. Our two families were very close at one time. We were regularly at their house or they were at ours, riding horses, playing games, or just hanging out together. I don't remember a time when Jim didn't laugh.
One of the Boy Scout outings I remember was up Alamo Canyon. We had hiked, without trail up about 5 or 6 miles into Alamo. We spent the night sleeping looking up into the night sky and stars, telling stories and listening to the sounds of the wild. In the morning we worshiped with Jim and dad leading the worship, talking of the magnificence of God and his creation, and the worth of each of us who were there. Jim once told dad that these were some of the happiest moments in his life. Truth be told, these were good positive moments in all of our lives because of the contributions by people who cared, like Jim. I carry these memories of Jim proudly.
I fully expect Jim to meet me again in the hereafter and hand me a cup of coffee to carry for him while he shows me around. Then look at me and say, "Don't spill it now."
I will see you later, teacher, leader, and friend. May God bless all those you touched with the same gift of laughter that you had.
bio by John Mills (Jr)
___________________________________________________
Jim Ashburn has always been a treasured friend and mentor. Even as a kid, although he knew how to make me squirm, there was never a question about his commitment to family and church. He was an extraordinarily hard worker and accomplished problem solver who generously gave his time, effort and resources to better his community.
Several years ago at a Whispering Pines Camp Work Weekend, meal time rolled around and we were missing Jim. A quick search found him still on the job. He wasn't "quite done." This seemed to be a recurring theme. If Jim was missing, look wherever there is the most work. Likely, that's where you would find him. Toiling away, sometimes whistling, sometimes teasing, but always working. Few volunteers have spent so much time and effort building, maintaining and improving the camp. It adds up when you keep at it for over forty years.
Later that same day, Jim and I lingered over the coals of a fire as other folks retired or found other things to do. We discussed camp stuff and reminisced. I told Jim about my plan to solve one of the many maintenance issues at camp. He replied, "Well, I suppose you could do it that way," followed by his trademark laugh. He went on to describe a solution better in every way. Jim deserves the reputation he built for being a hard working man that solved problems, finished the job and built his community.
I remember other times beginning about forty years before. Many times. Laughs, campfires, cookouts, youth activities, family picnics, the Mills house, the Ashburn house(s), horses, prayers, conversation, shared sorrow and joyful praise. Jim, as well as Louise, Karen, Dana, Doug and Ann have always seemed much more like family than friends.
I feel blessed to have shared so many good times with Jim and his family. I am better with a richer life than could have been possible otherwise. I give thanks and praise to the Creator for such a wonderful blessing. And I pray now that God's peace will fill the void left in Jim's passing and that joyful memories will overflow the hearts of his family and friends.
bio by Rob Mills
The Jim Ashburn I remember liked to laugh. Life was fun.
One of the jokes he nearly always played on any trip was to pretend the steering on his truck was out. So he would slide his hands around the wheel and say something to indicate that he wasn't in control. Then he would just start to laugh. Even after he had done it so many times that we pretty much ignored him, he would still laugh.
Jim liked to laugh … and drink coffee. One time I was sitting in the middle of the seat in his truck. We were on our way somewhere, probably up to Whispering Pines, and he needed both hands on the wheel. So he relegated me to holding the cup of coffee. "Don't spill it." he told me. I then made a statement about how it was remarkable that the hand could hold it steady even though the truck was bouncing around. He looked down at me and said, "Until you look at it and try not to spill it." which caused me to look at it and focus on not spilling it and then when it invariably spilled due to the truck rocking the way it was, he laughed and laughed. He knew I didn't have a chance.
I knew Jim in three different ways, I worked for him mucking out drywall (cleaning up after he and Steve had finished), Boy Scouts, and as a friend. To be completely honest, he was always a friend even when he was the boss. Our two families were very close at one time. We were regularly at their house or they were at ours, riding horses, playing games, or just hanging out together. I don't remember a time when Jim didn't laugh.
One of the Boy Scout outings I remember was up Alamo Canyon. We had hiked, without trail up about 5 or 6 miles into Alamo. We spent the night sleeping looking up into the night sky and stars, telling stories and listening to the sounds of the wild. In the morning we worshiped with Jim and dad leading the worship, talking of the magnificence of God and his creation, and the worth of each of us who were there. Jim once told dad that these were some of the happiest moments in his life. Truth be told, these were good positive moments in all of our lives because of the contributions by people who cared, like Jim. I carry these memories of Jim proudly.
I fully expect Jim to meet me again in the hereafter and hand me a cup of coffee to carry for him while he shows me around. Then look at me and say, "Don't spill it now."
I will see you later, teacher, leader, and friend. May God bless all those you touched with the same gift of laughter that you had.
bio by John Mills (Jr)
___________________________________________________
Jim Ashburn has always been a treasured friend and mentor. Even as a kid, although he knew how to make me squirm, there was never a question about his commitment to family and church. He was an extraordinarily hard worker and accomplished problem solver who generously gave his time, effort and resources to better his community.
Several years ago at a Whispering Pines Camp Work Weekend, meal time rolled around and we were missing Jim. A quick search found him still on the job. He wasn't "quite done." This seemed to be a recurring theme. If Jim was missing, look wherever there is the most work. Likely, that's where you would find him. Toiling away, sometimes whistling, sometimes teasing, but always working. Few volunteers have spent so much time and effort building, maintaining and improving the camp. It adds up when you keep at it for over forty years.
Later that same day, Jim and I lingered over the coals of a fire as other folks retired or found other things to do. We discussed camp stuff and reminisced. I told Jim about my plan to solve one of the many maintenance issues at camp. He replied, "Well, I suppose you could do it that way," followed by his trademark laugh. He went on to describe a solution better in every way. Jim deserves the reputation he built for being a hard working man that solved problems, finished the job and built his community.
I remember other times beginning about forty years before. Many times. Laughs, campfires, cookouts, youth activities, family picnics, the Mills house, the Ashburn house(s), horses, prayers, conversation, shared sorrow and joyful praise. Jim, as well as Louise, Karen, Dana, Doug and Ann have always seemed much more like family than friends.
I feel blessed to have shared so many good times with Jim and his family. I am better with a richer life than could have been possible otherwise. I give thanks and praise to the Creator for such a wonderful blessing. And I pray now that God's peace will fill the void left in Jim's passing and that joyful memories will overflow the hearts of his family and friends.
bio by Rob Mills
A wonderful, caring man who loved his family.
The Jim Ashburn I remember liked to laugh. Life was fun.
One of the jokes he nearly always played on any trip was to pretend the steering on his truck was out. So he would slide his hands around the wheel and say something to indicate that he wasn't in control. Then he would just start to laugh. Even after he had done it so many times that we pretty much ignored him, he would still laugh.
Jim liked to laugh … and drink coffee. One time I was sitting in the middle of the seat in his truck. We were on our way somewhere, probably up to Whispering Pines, and he needed both hands on the wheel. So he relegated me to holding the cup of coffee. "Don't spill it." he told me. I then made a statement about how it was remarkable that the hand could hold it steady even though the truck was bouncing around. He looked down at me and said, "Until you look at it and try not to spill it." which caused me to look at it and focus on not spilling it and then when it invariably spilled due to the truck rocking the way it was, he laughed and laughed. He knew I didn't have a chance.
I knew Jim in three different ways, I worked for him mucking out drywall (cleaning up after he and Steve had finished), Boy Scouts, and as a friend. To be completely honest, he was always a friend even when he was the boss. Our two families were very close at one time. We were regularly at their house or they were at ours, riding horses, playing games, or just hanging out together. I don't remember a time when Jim didn't laugh.
One of the Boy Scout outings I remember was up Alamo Canyon. We had hiked, without trail up about 5 or 6 miles into Alamo. We spent the night sleeping looking up into the night sky and stars, telling stories and listening to the sounds of the wild. In the morning we worshiped with Jim and dad leading the worship, talking of the magnificence of God and his creation, and the worth of each of us who were there. Jim once told dad that these were some of the happiest moments in his life. Truth be told, these were good positive moments in all of our lives because of the contributions by people who cared, like Jim. I carry these memories of Jim proudly.
I fully expect Jim to meet me again in the hereafter and hand me a cup of coffee to carry for him while he shows me around. Then look at me and say, "Don't spill it now."
I will see you later, teacher, leader, and friend. May God bless all those you touched with the same gift of laughter that you had.
bio by John Mills (Jr)
___________________________________________________
Jim Ashburn has always been a treasured friend and mentor. Even as a kid, although he knew how to make me squirm, there was never a question about his commitment to family and church. He was an extraordinarily hard worker and accomplished problem solver who generously gave his time, effort and resources to better his community.
Several years ago at a Whispering Pines Camp Work Weekend, meal time rolled around and we were missing Jim. A quick search found him still on the job. He wasn't "quite done." This seemed to be a recurring theme. If Jim was missing, look wherever there is the most work. Likely, that's where you would find him. Toiling away, sometimes whistling, sometimes teasing, but always working. Few volunteers have spent so much time and effort building, maintaining and improving the camp. It adds up when you keep at it for over forty years.
Later that same day, Jim and I lingered over the coals of a fire as other folks retired or found other things to do. We discussed camp stuff and reminisced. I told Jim about my plan to solve one of the many maintenance issues at camp. He replied, "Well, I suppose you could do it that way," followed by his trademark laugh. He went on to describe a solution better in every way. Jim deserves the reputation he built for being a hard working man that solved problems, finished the job and built his community.
I remember other times beginning about forty years before. Many times. Laughs, campfires, cookouts, youth activities, family picnics, the Mills house, the Ashburn house(s), horses, prayers, conversation, shared sorrow and joyful praise. Jim, as well as Louise, Karen, Dana, Doug and Ann have always seemed much more like family than friends.
I feel blessed to have shared so many good times with Jim and his family. I am better with a richer life than could have been possible otherwise. I give thanks and praise to the Creator for such a wonderful blessing. And I pray now that God's peace will fill the void left in Jim's passing and that joyful memories will overflow the hearts of his family and friends.
bio by Rob Mills
The Jim Ashburn I remember liked to laugh. Life was fun.
One of the jokes he nearly always played on any trip was to pretend the steering on his truck was out. So he would slide his hands around the wheel and say something to indicate that he wasn't in control. Then he would just start to laugh. Even after he had done it so many times that we pretty much ignored him, he would still laugh.
Jim liked to laugh … and drink coffee. One time I was sitting in the middle of the seat in his truck. We were on our way somewhere, probably up to Whispering Pines, and he needed both hands on the wheel. So he relegated me to holding the cup of coffee. "Don't spill it." he told me. I then made a statement about how it was remarkable that the hand could hold it steady even though the truck was bouncing around. He looked down at me and said, "Until you look at it and try not to spill it." which caused me to look at it and focus on not spilling it and then when it invariably spilled due to the truck rocking the way it was, he laughed and laughed. He knew I didn't have a chance.
I knew Jim in three different ways, I worked for him mucking out drywall (cleaning up after he and Steve had finished), Boy Scouts, and as a friend. To be completely honest, he was always a friend even when he was the boss. Our two families were very close at one time. We were regularly at their house or they were at ours, riding horses, playing games, or just hanging out together. I don't remember a time when Jim didn't laugh.
One of the Boy Scout outings I remember was up Alamo Canyon. We had hiked, without trail up about 5 or 6 miles into Alamo. We spent the night sleeping looking up into the night sky and stars, telling stories and listening to the sounds of the wild. In the morning we worshiped with Jim and dad leading the worship, talking of the magnificence of God and his creation, and the worth of each of us who were there. Jim once told dad that these were some of the happiest moments in his life. Truth be told, these were good positive moments in all of our lives because of the contributions by people who cared, like Jim. I carry these memories of Jim proudly.
I fully expect Jim to meet me again in the hereafter and hand me a cup of coffee to carry for him while he shows me around. Then look at me and say, "Don't spill it now."
I will see you later, teacher, leader, and friend. May God bless all those you touched with the same gift of laughter that you had.
bio by John Mills (Jr)
___________________________________________________
Jim Ashburn has always been a treasured friend and mentor. Even as a kid, although he knew how to make me squirm, there was never a question about his commitment to family and church. He was an extraordinarily hard worker and accomplished problem solver who generously gave his time, effort and resources to better his community.
Several years ago at a Whispering Pines Camp Work Weekend, meal time rolled around and we were missing Jim. A quick search found him still on the job. He wasn't "quite done." This seemed to be a recurring theme. If Jim was missing, look wherever there is the most work. Likely, that's where you would find him. Toiling away, sometimes whistling, sometimes teasing, but always working. Few volunteers have spent so much time and effort building, maintaining and improving the camp. It adds up when you keep at it for over forty years.
Later that same day, Jim and I lingered over the coals of a fire as other folks retired or found other things to do. We discussed camp stuff and reminisced. I told Jim about my plan to solve one of the many maintenance issues at camp. He replied, "Well, I suppose you could do it that way," followed by his trademark laugh. He went on to describe a solution better in every way. Jim deserves the reputation he built for being a hard working man that solved problems, finished the job and built his community.
I remember other times beginning about forty years before. Many times. Laughs, campfires, cookouts, youth activities, family picnics, the Mills house, the Ashburn house(s), horses, prayers, conversation, shared sorrow and joyful praise. Jim, as well as Louise, Karen, Dana, Doug and Ann have always seemed much more like family than friends.
I feel blessed to have shared so many good times with Jim and his family. I am better with a richer life than could have been possible otherwise. I give thanks and praise to the Creator for such a wonderful blessing. And I pray now that God's peace will fill the void left in Jim's passing and that joyful memories will overflow the hearts of his family and friends.
bio by Rob Mills
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