James Alphonso Ashe

James Alphonso Ashe Sr. was born to the late Herbert T. Ashe Sr. and Eleanor Ashe Scarboro on July 27, 1941 in Creswell, North Carolina. He was the third born of seven children – three boys and four girls. James began his early education in the North Carolina school system. Following the death of his father, the family moved to Baltimore, Maryland in 1950 where he continued his education in the Turners Station community. Shortly after the family’s relocation to Baltimore, his Aunt Mary ministered to the entire family about salvation and they joined the First Apostolic Faith Gospel Tabernacle Church under the leadership of the late Bishop George G. Levant. James was baptized in the precious name of Jesus Christ and later received the gift of the Holy Ghost. He diligently served on the Deacon Board, Finance Committee, Men’s Ministry, Altar Committee, and Transportation Ministry – faithfully supporting his pastor and church. He motivated his church family to support the pastor, services and national conventions. James also had a passion for preserving history as evidenced in the pictorial walls he designed in the passage way leading to the church fellowship hall. James had a strong work ethic. At an early age he worked as a clerk at the Acme market to help his mother support the family. His part-time employment at Woodholme Country Club spanned nearly fifty years where he established lifelong friendships with both staff and clientele. However, James pursued a full-time career as a drapery installer where he worked at many establishments including Nield-Chesapeake, Bergmans, and Ruxton Cleaners. It was here he met the love of his life, the late Viola Ashe. The two of them were united in holy matrimony on December 13, 1963 and shared twenty seven years together. Throughout his life, James enjoyed family gatherings big or small. He was known for his shocking stories and his great sense of humor, often teasing and playing with those he came in contact with – especially little children. James had a zealous quest for knowledge and spent much time researching and sharing interesting facts that others did not know. During the summer months, he would sit on the front porch sipping iced tea or eating a piece of cold watermelon while catching up with his Mortimer Avenue neighbors. On the weekends, he enjoyed watching televised golf tournaments and football games. Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays were extra special, as the family anticipated his delicious homemade sweet potato pies. This was his specialty. In the spring of 2009, James developed a serious illness. However, he knew that this light affliction was only for a moment and worketh for him a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory. He fought a good fight and kept the faith knowing God was in controlOn February 14, 2010, James departed this life and those who remain to continue and cherish his legacy are: Six Children, William, Kenneth (Sandra), Pamela (Michael Brown), Eleanor Bland, James Jr., Audra (Cleveland Parrish); Four Siblings, Louis Sr. (Carolyn), Lucy (Bishop Jacob Chambliss), Carrie (Overseer George Bell), and Lillian; Brother-in-Law, Clarence Walters Sr., Sister-in-Law, Mattie Ashe; Special Cousins, Delores Harris and Annie Bean; Close Friends, Ellsworth Vincent (Vince) and Joan Saunders; Sixteen Grandchildren, Thirteen Great Grandchildren, a host of Nephews, Nieces, Cousins, Church Family, Neighbors and Friends. In addition to his Wife and Parents, he was also preceded in death by his Step-father, Buddy Scarboro, Sister, Bertha Walters, Brother, Herbert Ashe Jr., Son-in-Law, ,Reggie Bland, and Daughter-in-Law, Lisa Ashe.

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James Alphonso Ashe

July 27, 1941 - February 14, 2010