Obituary of James W Ashley

James W. Ashley married Carol in 1972 after serving one tour of duty in the military. Jim served as a ship-fitter in the U.S. Navy from 1967 to 1970. Jim was a hard working man who loved and provided for his wife Carol, his son Ron and his wife Heather. Jim was a loving grandpa to Zack and Olivia. As a mentor and life-friend, Jim helped his sister Anna Liisa Covell along with her two children, Bryon A Covell and Angela C. Allen. His brother-in-law Tony Covell preferred to call Jim "his brother" for their deep friendship and respect for each other. Jim had a passion for drag racing and fast cars. He rebuilt his 1974 Dodge Challenger with a 440 cubic inch engine to cruise with his wife on Friday nights. The Biff Burger on 49th Street was their favorite cruising hangout. Jim worked for 46 years in the electrical industry in Pinellas County. He was a Florida State certified electrical inspector and contractor. Jim retired in 2010 to spend his last cherished moments with his wife Carol. Most of Jim's friends remember his passion for his family and his car, but will also be at a loss when his funny emails are no longer in their inbox. Jim wanted everyone to remember him for his zest for life. He lived on the edge always driving in the fast lane. A blow-out party will be held in Jim's memory in the near future with his family and friends. After suffering from the effects of asbestos poisoning and COPD he incurred in the U.S. Navy, his family respectfully asks donations be made in lieu of flowers to Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation located at: www.curemeso.org