James Grant Ashton

On September 16, 2023 James Grant Ashton joined his mom, dad, sister, two brothers, and many others in heaven, that were waiting for him with open arms. He was born March 24, 1967, in Salt Lake City, Utah. James kept his mom and dad on their toes with his curious and mischievous personality. He later grew into a physically strong and even more mischievous young man.

James went to live at USDC, American Fork, Utah when he was 10 years old, where he gained a new larger family and group of friends. They lovingly cared for him for several decades up until his passing. Though he couldn't speak, he was able to communicate by sign language which enabled him to convey to his caretakers what he wanted and needed. He will be missed by many and will always be remembered. The family would like to express their love and appreciation to all the people that helped, loved, and cared for him throughout his life.

James Grant Ashton was born on March 24, 1967 in Salt Lake City to Merla and Art Ashton. James was the fourth of five children. He was preceded in death by his mom, dad, two brothers and older sister.

James attended work programs in Salt Lake City, his mom wanted to keep him at home, but James liked to go places without his mom knowing he was gone. Finally, she found him in their backyard playing with a low hanging power line and she knew it was time to find a place to protect James from James.

James' mother always called him "Jamesie", James took up residence at what was then called the "Utah State Training School" on October 29, 1981, where James attended school and seminary on campus.

I would like to share this story because it showed the way James touched the hearts of those he met. About 25 years ago, James went through a long procedure to remove a tumor on the left side of his head. He continued to see the same doctor for all of these years and at every visit, he treated James like a long time friend. You could truly feel the love he had for James.

James has truly touched many hearts with his wonderful smile and laugh. James would truly be touched by all those who are saddened by his loss. James loved his family. You could always see the love he and his mother had for each other. He truly enjoyed the times that they had together and James always treated his mom with a christ-like love.

James enjoyed watching football and ice hockey, but I think he just liked to watch people run into each other. He enjoyed working for the recycling center and he was always the first one to get out of the van and begin working.

Very few people ever heard James talk, because he only spoke when he thought something was important. When asking other staff that were close to James if they had a story to share, most of them started to tear up. One staff shared, that when she would play the song "If you're happy and you know it, clap your hands", James would get up and start dancing with her. Another staff shared that it's not the same to watch football without him & another enjoyed watching the games with him because if someone scored, James would get up and give him a high five. A nurse shared that he would always give James a hug when he saw him and even though James knew he wasn't going to get anything out of the hug, he still hugged him back. I think James received a lot of love through many people who crossed his path.

James loved apples. He would eat the whole thing down to the stem and then would throw away the stem like it was poison. James was blessed to have the same two roommates for over 25 years and he truly had a family that cared for him at the Utah State Developmental Center. James loved all of those who were a part of his life and he taught so many of us what it means to love someone without words and to show you care through actions.

Lastly, I wanted to share a poem that strikes me as James:

"Remember friends

As you pass by

As you are now

So once was I

As I am now

So you will be

Prepare for and follow me."