Jessie James Ashby Sr.

Jessie James Ashby, Sr., 77, of Rustburg, passed away Wednesday, January 3, 2018 at his residence. He is survived by the love of his life of twenty-seven years, Betty Campbell Massie. Born July 19, 1940 in Amelia, he was the son of the late Willie James and Ethel King Ashby and was also preceded in death by two brothers, Frank J. Ashby and John D. Ashby and two sisters, Shirley Ashby and Hazel Davis. Jessie was a retired machine operator with Gould Battery Corp. with twenty-two years of service. He was a member of Truth Baptist Church. Jessie is survived by four children, Michael A. Ashby (Helen), Angela A. Taylor (Doug), all of Lynchburg, Peepsie A. Ripley (Danny) of Bedford, and Jessie J. “Spike” Ashby, Jr. (Sherri) of Florida; one brother, William H. Ashby, of Bedford; two sisters, Dorothy A. Bohanan of Tennessee and, Nannie A. Tidwell of Lynchburg; nine grandchildren and three great grandchildren. Jessie is also survived by Betty’s daughters, Vicki Lemay (Kevin) of Newport News and Melinda Paninski (Kenneth) of Texas and Betty’s three grandchildren. A funeral service will be conducted at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, January 6, 2018 at Whitten Timberlake Chapel with the Rev. Wayland Grubbs officiating. Interment will follow at Spring Hill Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 6-8 p.m., Friday, January 5, 2018 at Whitten Timberlake Chapel and other times at the residence. The family wishes to thank the staff of Lynchburg Hematology for their wonderful care. In lieu of floral arrangements, Jessie’s personal request was, those wishing to send flowers, please bring a single yellow rose. Those wishing to make memorial contributions are asked to consider the American Red Cross. To send online condolences to the family, please visit www.whittentimberlake.com. Whitten Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Timberlake Chapel is serving the family.