James "Jim" Kenneth Ashley

James “Jim” Kenneth Ashley, 71, passed away January 21, 2021, in Rock Hill, South Carolina, with his loving family by his side. Jim was the beloved husband of Cynthia Plyler Ashley of Rock Hill, SC, adored father of Amy (Devin) Cridlebaugh of Parker, CO, and Scott (Kelly) Ashley of Weddington, NC, and stepfather of Chuck (Katie) Collins of Charleston, SC. He was the loving grandfather of Cole, Evie, and James of Weddington, Sam and Ty of Parker, and Lucy and Annie of Charleston. Jim also leaves behind sisters Kathy (Bill) Martin of Batavia, OH, and Patti (Ted) Kappers of Cincinnati, OH, and a large number of other family and friends whose lives he truly touched.

Jim was born June 19th, 1949, in Cincinnati, Ohio, to his adoring parents Ken and Rita Ashley, who preceded him in death. Jim and the mother of their children, Joyce Ashley, raised their children in Ohio and Colorado. Jim married his wife, Cynthia, in 2000 and they have shared a beautiful life together in Rock Hill, surrounded by many family and friends. They frequently visited their children and grandchildren and spent time with their cherished friends around town.

Jim was a highly successful sales executive in the home textiles industry for more than 50 years. He traveled extensively for work, building professional connections and forging lifelong friendships with people across the United States and as far away as India. He was still working full time with Allure Home Creation at the time of his passing.

For those who knew and loved him, it comes as no surprise that he would be successful in all he did, being the natural conversationalist and warm presence that he was. He was a kind, funny and giving man, always selflessly putting others before himself and doing all he could to help anyone who needed a hand. He was so proud of his children and grandchildren. He was a joker and a teaser, and it brought him so much joy to bring a smile to someone’s face. His belly laugh could fill a room like no other. He loved Skyline chili, unsweet tea, the Clemson Tigers, muscle cars, go-karts, model trains, and getting a killer deal on a hauling trailer or anything he purchased.

Jim requested to be cremated and did not wish to have a formal funeral service. A celebration of life will occur at a later date, once it is safe to do so.

Recently, Jim had been inducted into the Rock Hill Elks Lodge #1318 and was very proud of the work they do. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Rock Hill Elks Lodge #1318 in memory of Jim Ashley. The mailing address is P.O. Box 1000. Rock Hill, SC 29731.

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