WARSAW- James M. Ashcraft, 89, of SR 541 near Warsaw, died Saturday, April 16, 2011 at the Riverside Methodist Hospital in Columbus.
Jim was born September 19, 1921 in Frazeysburg to the late DW "Watt" and Clara (Barcus) Ashcraft. In 1932 he moved with his parents to the home farm where he resided until a brief illness. He was a long time member of the New Guilford Methodist Church and served on their board. He was also a member of the Ohio Farm Bureau and a past member of the Ohio State Grange.
On April 24, 1943 he married Laura Naomi Mikesell. Having purchased the home farm from his parents, Jim farmed actively well into his 70's with lots of assistance from Naomi. They celebrated their 66th wedding anniversary shortly before she passed away in 2009.
Jim also worked at Buckeye Fabric Finishing Company for 32 years, retiring in 1983. He worked throughout most areas of the factory, which flourished when coated cloth or "canvas" was in great demand, particularly by the Army.
He had the unique ability to remember people, not only their names, but who their parents were, who their kids were, where they lived, who they were related to and in many cases how they were related to his family. It was a truly amazing gift that will be missed in the community.
He is survived by his son, Brig Gen (ret) Myron Glenn (Pamela) Ashcraft of Lexington, two grandsons; Christopher Glenn (Valerie) Ashcraft of Lexington and Phillip James Ashcraft of Denver, CO, a great-grandson, Landen James Ashcraft, and step great-granddaughter, Hannah Nicole Archibald, and numerous close nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents and wife, he was preceded in death by three sisters; Grace, Evelyn, and Ruby.
The family would like to thank all of the friends, neighbors and extended family for their support, particularly during the two years since the passing of Naomi. Visits, food, phone calls and friendship made the separation more bearable.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday April 19, 2011 at the Fischer Funeral Home in Warsaw with Pastor Monica Huntsman of the New Guilford United Methodist Church presiding. Burial will be in the Frazeysburg Cemetery. At 2:00 p.m. friends and family will meet at the New Guildford Church for food and fellowship. Visitation will be on Monday, April 18th from 5-8 p.m., and prior to service time on Tuesday at the funeral home.
Donations can be made to the New Guilford United Methodist Church, 30770 New Guilford Rd., Walhonding, OH 43843.
