James Quenton Ashby

James Quenton Ashby (Jim) departed this life and arrived in Heaven in the early morning hours of February 24, 2021. He leaves behind his wife of 65 years, Theresa Ashby, a loving family and numerous friends that will miss his warm smile and quick wit.

Jim was born on August 15th, 1933 in Ashdown, Arkansas to Herby and Minnie Marie Ashby. He spent most of his childhood in Ashdown, and a few years in San Diego and San Francisco while his father served in the Navy. He graduated from Arkansas High in 1952. Jim spent his career in the feed and farm supply business and was well-known in the four-states area for formulating custom feed mixes for cattlemen and dairy farmers. He retired from Miller-Bowie Supply in 1998 after 25 years of service. Even in recent years, as his memory was challenged, he could still identify the many farms across the area to which he supplied feed.

Jim’s interests included travel, playing dominoes – in which he rarely lost- watching “old westerns”, and a love of many types of music. He was particularly fond of Bluegrass music and enjoyed frequent trips with his wife to Branson, MO for the Bluegrass Festival at Silver Dollar City, always returning with a new collection of CD’s and DVD’s. He enjoyed travel ranging from summer vacations in Galveston, TX when the kids were young – eight people in a station wagon- to more faraway places such as Canada, England, and Switzerland.

Jim was blessed with a large and loving family, and certainly his grandkids and great-grandkids were a tremendous source of pride. He attended numerous graduations, sporting events and other activities – and loved every minute. He and Theresa hosted Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays for several decades, and he looked forward to having everyone together.

Jim was a strong believer in his Savior Jesus Christ, a belief that had a strong impact on him and his family. His salvation was a turning point in his life, which occurred while attending a Starlight Crusade revival in Oklahoma City in 1982. He was a faithful member of Trinity Baptist Church for many years and always looked forward to his weekly Bible study class. Even as his health began to fail, his faith did not waiver – he never doubted God’s sovereignty and often stated, “I know who is in control”. Our family takes great comfort in knowing where he will spend eternity.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents and one granddaughter, Megan McGaugh. He is survived by his loving, faithful, and compassionate wife of 65 years, Theresa Ashby; six children, David Ashby and wife Judy of Taylor, AR, Marilyn Newton and husband Randy of Little Rock, Charles Ashby and wife Debbie of Fayetteville, AR, Paul Ashby of Ft. Smith, AR, Melissa Matlock and husband Larry of Texarkana, Greg Ashby and wife Patty of Texarkana; brother Mike Ashby and wife Brenda, sister Becky Bloodworth; twelve grandchildren: Randee Watson and husband Nick, Travis Ashby and wife Shana, Laurie Pinner and husband Adam, Jill McGaugh, Brad Ashby and wife Sarah, Caroline Rhoads and husband Nick, Lauren Ashby, Haley Matlock, Mallory Chapa, Claire Ashby, Anna Pickett and husband Justus, and Mark Ashby; and twenty-seven great-grandchildren.

Visitation will be Friday, February 26th, from 4:00-7:00pm at East Funeral Home, 2807 Moores Lane, Texarkana, TX.

Funeral Service will be Saturday, February 27th, 10:00am at East Funeral Home, 2807 Moores Lane, Texarkana, TX.

Condolences may be left at www.eastfuneralhomes.com

Memorials may be made to:

Alzheimer's Alliance Watersprings Ranch

100 Memory Lane 7707 Sanderson Lane

Texarkana, TX 75503 Texarkana, TX 71854