Jeffrey Scott Ashford

Jeffrey Scott Ashford was born on July 15th, 1960 in Ypsilanti, Michigan to Howard Eugene Ashford and Vergie Allen Richardson. Jeff and his older brother Howard were outnumbered by his 5 sisters, Yvonne, Karen, Cheryl, Gina, and Julie. He was surrounded by an incredible group of people that taught him how to be a loving man who valued family and God more than anything else. Jeff loved to play sports and lift weights, and became a hard worker early in his life. Some of his early jobs included a paper route, bailing hay, and helping his dad with his peanut roasting business. Jeff made friends very easily and his closest friends growing up were Richie Palavino and Jeff Chambers who are now both in heaven with Jeff.

At the age of 19 years old Jeffrey enlisted in the United Stated Marine Corp to serve his country. Jeff was active duty for 4 years in the Marine Corps as an infantry man and graphic artist. He loved his time in the jungles of the Philippines where he bravely detained criminals of proto-terrorist groups. He loved the wildlife of the tropics and learned to scuba dive in the beautiful clear oceans of the Philippines. Jeff was known by everyone to be a powerhouse of a man, he was an avid kickboxer and football player in the service. Jeff looked back fondly on many of his adventures from the military. Jeff took the discipline and work ethic that he engendered in the military and used these skills in all other areas of his life.

The Marine Corps brought Jeff and his wife Lillian together. Jeff and Lilly were married April 30, 1988 by Pastor Bud Grainger in Westland, Mi. One of Jeff and Lilly’s fondest memories was that both of their children Tara and Jeff attended their wedding. Jeff and Lillian loved to talk about how they all got married together as a family. Lilly was the love of his life; she brought him strength and focus and of course his children Tara and Jeff Jr. The children became the focus of Jeff and Lilly’s lives. Jeff and Lilly loved reminiscing over the memories of when their children were young. They shared an unbreakable bond. One of their first accomplishments as a married couple was purchasing their first home on Calle Platico; a beautiful home for their children to grow up, in Oceanside, California. They didn’t stop there. Jeff’s hard work and Lillian’s smarts led to the creation of JSA Masonry; Jeff’s custom masonry business. His company was known for creating unique stone, block and brick designs, including his famous outdoor fireplaces. No one could match his ability to create one of a kind buildings that are strong enough to stand for ages. Most of all he was known for his unmatched work ethic and his incredible strength.

Jeff was a jack of all trades and good at nearly everything. Jeff loved helping his kids with their school projects and created identical mini replicas of the Mission’s San Luis Rey and Santa Barbara for the kid’s 4th grade mission’s project that rivaled any architect. Jeff also played an active role in both of his children’s scouts. Jeff attended the Cub Scout meetings and outings with Jeffrey Junior and attended many father daughter dances with Tara.

Jeff was incredibly talented and innovative in many ways. He was an extremely talented baseball player and was the best hitter in his adult league. Jeff’s love for sports was unmatched, he was Detroit’s biggest fan. He fostered his son’s love for hockey by taking him to many Red Wings games in Los Angeles, and teaching how to play the game. Later in life he enjoyed many Tigers games with his wife, daughter, son, and friends. He could always predict who would win the Super Bowl, the World Series, or the Stanley Cup.

When he wasn’t working, or spending time with his family, you could often find Jeff in his backyard. He also had a passion for growing his impressive garden of fruits, vegetables, and tropical trees. Jeff loved gardening and just like so many other skills he was excellent at it. Jeff’s favorite tree was the Palm Tree, which he grew many from just seedlings. Jeff approached gardening as a challenge and loved to show his successes to his friends and family.

All those who knew Jeff knew what a fun-loving, social and charismatic individual he was. Jeff never met a person he couldn’t get along with or someone who couldn’t stand him. Due to Jeff’s likeable personality he had many friends, too many to name here today. Jeff’s closest friend was Russ Osborn. Russ and Jeff spent lots of time together. Some of the hobbies that Russ and Jeff shared were playing chess, their love of sports, particularly hockey and running. Russ and Jeff participated in numerous local races together. Jeff also shared a close connection with Bob Beeson, Pat Boyce, Terry Martinez, John Ricci, Steve Chambers, Brian Rafalski, and Albert Barajas; just to name a few.

After many years of memories created at Calle Platico. The family moved to their current home where Jeff spent the last 15 years of residence on Canyon View Drive. Jeff loved this home, his incredible neighbors Matt and Luann Livingston and his proximity to the beach. Jeff spent many hours building his elegant living room fireplace adorned with Lions, his backyard BBQ and outdoor fireplace. Jeff enjoyed having friends and family over to enjoy this space he had created for his family. Jeff also loved his two dogs Sheila and Shane who he spent countless hours petting, feeding and walking. Jeff cultivated a life for himself and his family that they loved. After many years of hard work and labor, Jeff found himself ready for retirement.

In his retirement, he spent his free time painting beautiful masterpieces. Jeff was known for his incredible artistic ability and ability to translate the true beauty of life onto a canvas. All of Jeff’s frame were custom by Jeff. As you look around the room today, you will see many of his works displayed. He loved painting landscapes of both the mountains and beaches of this world, and some from his amazing imagination.

Most recently, Jeff served as the care taker, nurse, chef and emotional support for Lilly through both a broken back, a broken foot and Encephalitis. Jeff woke up every day to ensure that Lilly was loved and cared for and helped bring her back to health. Jeff and Lilly were inseparable. They spent many hours together going to doctor’s appointments at the VA hospital, watching tv, going out to eat, laughing and occasionally going to the Casino. Jeff was a dedicated husband and Lilly’s soulmate.

Jeff Ashford was a beloved husband, father, brother, son, uncle and cousin. Jeff was proceeded in death by his Father Howard Ashford, his mother in law Elsa Ortiz and father in law Julio Rivera Mattei and his two younger brothers Jason and Matthew. Jeff was survived by his wife Lillian Ashford, his son Jeffrey Scott Ashford II, his daughter Tara Michalowski and son-in law Jason Michalowski, his mother Vergie Alene Richardson, his brother Howard Lee Ashford, his sisters Yvonne Thompson, Karen Doan, Cheryl Martin, Gina Wayne and Julie Davis, as well as many aunts, uncles, cousins, great nephews and nieces.