Obituary of James Wilfred Ashley, Jr.

James Wilfred Ashley, Jr., "Jim", 59, of Washougal, WA, passed away on Tuesday, June 30th, 2020 in Vancouver, WA, after a valiant 5-year battle with cancer. Jim loved his family, his work, and life in general. He grew up in Tonawanda, NY, and enlisted in the US Navy in 1980. After serving his country for 8 years, he was honorably discharged at the Naval Air Station on Whidbey Island, WA. Upon entering civilian life, Jim worked on military aircraft, then changed occupations and spent the remainder of his career working on automated equipment as a Controls Engineer - first in the sawmill industry, then in other industries. He spent the last 10 years at Wellons, Inc. in Vancouver. He loved his job and all the people there. Jim was well-read, well-traveled, and an avid woodworker. He loved to design and create all kinds of projects and was never happier than when he was in his workshop. Jim's will to live, and his strength to battle cancer despite all the daunting challenges it brought, are truly heroic and inspirational. Jim will be deeply and dearly missed by his family, friends, coworkers, and all who knew him. Jim is survived by his wife; Kathleen Potter Ashley, daughter, Genevieve (Scott) Shepard and grandson, David Shepard of Portland, OR; mother, Frances Mariea Ashley of Tonawanda, NY; sisters, Dawn (Tom) Abate of North Tonawanda, NY, Kari Ashley of Williamsville, NY; brother, Daniel (Chris) Ashley of Tonawanda, NY; sisters-in-law, Karen Potter of Beverly, MA, Jackie (Paul) Clarizia of Beverly, MA, Teresa Potter of Aurora, CO; brother-in-law, David Michaels of Amherst, NY, Robert (Su) Potter of La Haina, HI, Michael (Susan) Potter of Carson City, NV, and several nieces and nephews. Jim was preceded in death by his father, James W. Ashley, Sr. of Tonawanda, NY; nd sister, Deena Michaels of Amherst, NY. Military honors were held for Jim; his family will celebrate his life privately. Arrangements have been entrusted to Brown's Funeral Home in Camas, WA. Please sign his guestbook at www.brownsfh@yahoo.com or www.columbian.com/obits