James Ashmead

James H. “Jim” Ashmead Sr., 70, of St. Joseph passed away Tuesday, September 3, 2019 with his family at his side at Spectrum Lakeland Hospital. Cremation has taken place. A private gathering will be at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made to Humane Society of Southwest Michigan. Those wishing to share a memory of Jim online may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com Jim was born November 29, 1948 to John and Helen Ashmead in Hammond, Indiana. He graduated from St. Joseph High School in 1966. He enlisted in the USAF in 1969 and proudly served his country until he was honorably discharged in 1975. Jim retired from the Benton Harbor Post Office after 30 years as a letter carrier in 2009. He served as a firefighter for St. Joseph Township stations 1 & 2 for a combined 40 years. Jim coached and refereed boys and girls soccer for many years. He was a lifetime member of the Stevensville American Legion Post 568 and Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 206 in Benton Harbor. Jim was an avid, life-long, die-hard Cubs fan and a dog lover. He enjoyed world travel with friends and family. Jim was a devoted husband and father. He adored his grandchildren. Jim is survived by his wife Carol, children James (Darcy) Jr. of St. Joseph, Mechele (Troy) Ashmead-Sutten of LaPorte, Indiana, Kelly (Chris) Fortune-Foster of St. Joseph, Kyle Fortune of St. Joseph; grandchildren Elizabeth, Jenna and Thomas Ashmead; sister Jane Sefton; and many nieces and nephews. Jim was preceded in death by his parents, sister Joan Eddy and brothers Bill Smith and Jon Ashmead