James Ash

James Ash, a lifelong resident of Fairhope, Alabama, born May 7, 1933, exchanged time for eternal peace on Friday, December 13, 2024, at a local hospital after a brief illness. He was one of eight children born to the union of Charles and Elouise Ash in Bollinger, Alabama.

An honorable man, living a very active and productive life, he was proud to have served his country and community as an Army Courier from 1951 to 1953 and to have served in the Korean War. James' dedication to helping others was evident in his chosen career paths during his many years in Fairhope. He worked as an orderly and security guard at Thomas Hospital for 34 years. Other areas of work throughout his life consisted of private chauffeur, caterer, bartender, and Radney Funeral Home.

James confessed Christ at an early age and later united at Christian Valley Baptist Church in Fairhope, Alabama, where he served as a deacon until his illness.

He was preceded in death by his parents; three brothers, Charlie Ash, Lloyd Ash and Jasper Ash; three sisters, Bessie Foster, Ruth Winter and Elouise Phillips; granddaughter, Minuette Taylor and great-granddaughter, Alayna Hayward; his wife of forty-eight years Annie Elizabeth Ash; to this union, his children and family legacy began. 

James was an inspiration to his family. All that knew him, knew that he believed all things are possible with hard work and the support of family.

He leaves cherished memories to his wife of 23 years, DeLisa Ash; three sons, James Ash, Jr., Douglas (Lori) Ash, Sr. of Fairhope, AL, Ricky James (Stephanie) Williams of Fontana, CA; two daughters, Margaret Williams and Janet (Edmond) Taylor of Daphne, AL; seventeen grandchildren, Adrian (LeAnna) Ash of Jacksonville, FL, Andrea (Robert) Matador, Antoinette (David) Williams both of Atlanta, GA, Alicia (Anthony) Hayward, James (Karisma) Ash, III both of Mobile, AL, Douglas (Laura) Ash, Jr. of Fairhope, AL, Sakeena (Damon) Cary of Atlanta, GA, Kayla Ash of Mobile, AL, Kim Nichols of Pensacola, FL, Jannah (Victor) Hernandez all of Yorkville, IL, Tiffany Taylor of Atlanta, GA, Courtland Taylor, Ryan Williams, Bryan (Megan) Williams all of Daphne, AL, Ric’kea Williams, Destiny Williams both of Fontana, CA, and Amber Tarver of Foley, AL; thirty-four great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; brother, Hershel Ash of Tampa, FL; mother-in-law, Catherine Bowen of Philadelphia, PA; one sister-in-law, Morine Avery of Fairhope, AL; one aunt-in-law, Quince Ladd of Fairhope, AL; great aunt-in-law, Henrietta Daughtry of Fairhope, AL; and a host of other loving relatives and friends.

Visitation will be held Monday, December 23, 2024, at Wolfe-Bayview Funeral Home, Fairhope, from 10:00 am until 12:00pm. Graveside services will follow at the Alabama State Veteran’s Cemetery in Spanish Fort.

1. ARRANGEMENTS BY
2. WOLFE-BAYVIEW
3. FUNERAL HOMES
4. & CREMATORY, INC.
5. 19698 GREENO RD.
6. FAIRHOPE AL. 36532
7. (251) 990-7775