James Lee Ashwill Sr.

Jim is survived by his wife, Terry Jean “TJ” Doss. He is also survived by three children of previous marriages: James Lee Ashwill Jr. of Edwardsville, Illinois and wife Allison, Cristin M Buttery of Bates City, Missouri and husband Chad and Derek J Ashwill of Grain Valley, Missouri and his wife Mary. He is also survived by his brother Gary Ashwill Kansas City, MO and wife Vicky and sister Nancy Meyer of Prescott, Arizona and husband John. Jim had nine grandchildren Keanu, Tyler, Max, Eleanor Ashwill, and Savannah, Chase and Stella Buttery and two grandchildren-in-law Alex and Ehan. Jim enjoyed and loved his two companion dogs, Punchy and Jackson.

Jim was born on August 2, 1953 in Kansas City, Missouri to Nelson Adrew Ashwill, Jr and Harriett “Jean” Linhart. He graduated Class of 1971 from Center High School.

Jim was a gentle soul, loved joking around and was very charming. He often told stories of how people sought him out to have a chat, and he felt good about helping people when they needed to talk. He was a good conversationalist, great at socializing and could fall into conversation with almost anyone. He would be most happy when he could make others laugh.

He was quite the showman in bands, but also provided a practicality and matter-of-factness that was especially appreciated by his wife, TJ. He loved camping and nature. His marriage to TJ was held in Snowmass, Colorado outside under the trees in the mountains with his parents and mother-in-law in attendance on September 4th, 1997. He loved all the animals he shared his life with throughout the years and they, in turn, kept him company when he needed it. Above all, he was devoted to his children and loved them very much.

He was an accomplished lifelong musician and had a natural ear. He played mainly in rock ‘n roll bands and he often arranged the songs and music to suit the occasion. He first learned bass guitar in the 1960’s and was inspired by his favorite band of all time, The Beatles. He also played piano, rhythm and lead guitar, and sang lead and back-up vocals. He played with bands all throughout the area during the 70’s through the 90’s. Other jobs held were at a printing company, a bank and one of his favorite jobs was a greenskeeper on a golf course in his early 20’s.

Jim has been suffering from liver cancer and had bravely gone through many treatments and hospitalizations for nearly four years before losing his battle.

Jim was very much loved and will be greatly missed.

A graveside service will be held for family and friends on Friday, March 8, 2019 at 1:30 PM at Olathe Memorial Cemetery, 738 N Chestnut, Olathe, Kansas.

Jim had told many people that he wanted a “Party” and white and colorful clothes worn on his behalf to celebrate his life with those he loved.

Donations to the “James L Ashwill, Sr. Foundation” are encouraged. The Foundation will benefit music performance education, animal welfare, wellness and medical programs and helping those in need. See the James L Ashwill Sr. Foundation page on Facebook where further Information will be made available in the near future.