James David Ashby, affectionately known as “Jimbo”, 72, of Mount Vernon, Illinois, passed away at 5:13 pm December 29, 2020, at his residence.
Jim could often be found on the golf course. He started his career working with his dad at Meadow Woods Country Club in Centralia, Illinois. He went on to work as the golf course superintendent for several country clubs, including Chester Country Club of Chester, Illinois, Green Hills Country Club in Mount Vernon, and Rend Lake Golf Course in Whittington, Illinois. Jim was a founding member and past president of the Southern Illinois Golf Course Superintendent’s Association and a board member of the Central Illinois Turf Research Association. Since retirement, Jimbo has enjoyed golfing at Green Hills nearly daily with his golf buddies. He also loved his annual golf trip to Hilton Head with his brothers and close friends. Though he loved golf, his biggest pride was his family. Jim was dearly loved and will be greatly missed by those who knew and adored him.
A Greeting of Family and Friends will be held Saturday, January 2, 2021, from 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm at Oakwood Cemetery in Mount Vernon. A Graveside Service will begin at 1:00 pm with Mr. Marty Mills officiating. Inurnment will follow. Please remember to observe social distancing at this time. We are limited to 10 people under our tent at a time. Following the CDC and NFDA regulations, we encourage everyone to wear a mask. They will be made available, upon request. Call Hughey Funeral Home at 618-242-3348 or visit hugheyfh.com for further information.
He was born March 9, 1948, in Topeka, Kansas to the late James and Mary Ellen (Shields) Ashby. Jim married Debbie (Maier) Ashby in 1983 in Mount Vernon. They were blessed with 37 years of marriage.
In addition to his beloved wife, Jim is survived by his children, Tia Takigawa and husband, Mike of Carmel, California, Chris Ashby and wife, Michelle of Mount Vernon, Shawn Ashby of Phoenix, Arizona, James “Trey” Ashby III of Greenwood, Indiana, and Bria Ashby of Nashville, Tennessee; grandchildren, Mackenzie, Megan, Mallory, Colleen, Andrew, Katelyn, Ellyn, Erin, Emma, Jimmy, Katya, and Vika; siblings, Bill Ashby and wife, Toni, John Ashby and wife, Juliette, Tom Ashby, Charles Ashby and wife, Neesi, Patrick Ashby and wife, Sheila, Mark Ashby, Mary Kay Clark, Elizabeth Ashby, Patricia Hunter and husband, Paul, Theresa Malekovic and husband, Reed, and Loretta Stevens and husband, Kent; siblings-in-law, Doug Maier and wife, Susan, Brad Maier, and Brenda Eaton and husband, Ron; and several nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents, Jim was preceded in death by his father and mother-in-law, Norbert and Marjorie Maier.
