Mr. James Doyle Ash. 57

March 13, 2010

            James Doyle Ash, age 57 of Gainesville, passed away on Friday, March 12, 2010 at his home with his wife and son beside him.  Jim had battled brain cancer for six months.

            Funeral services will be held Tuesday, March 16, 2010 at 11:00 am in the Chapel of Memorial Park Funeral Home. Interment will be in Memorial Park Mausoleum following the funeral service.  Reverend Bill Combs, Rector of St. Gabriel’s Episcopal Church, will officiate at the service.  The family will receive friends on Sunday, March 14, 2010 from 4 – 6 pm and Monday, March 15, 2010 from 6 – 8 pm at the funeral home.

            Jim was born in Walton County, Georgia to the late James R. M. Ash and Odessa Presley Ash.  He moved to Hall County at an early age where he lived for the remainder of his life.  He was a graduate of Gainesville High School.  While attending Gainesville College, he worked in construction.  Jim joined the Hall County Sheriff’s Office as a Deputy in November of 1973.  During his law enforcement career, he worked in Patrol and Investigations, rising through the ranks to the position of Captain where he served as the Commander of the Jail for many years before retiring in 2003.  His expertise in construction and jail operations resulted in his being requested to return to the Sheriff’s Office in 2004 to oversee the construction of the new Hall County Jail.  It was completed ahead of schedule and under budget in 2007.  During this time, he also served as the Major over Sheriff’s Services, directing operations of the Jail, Warrants and Courthouse functions.  He again retired from the Sheriff’s Office in March of 2008.

            Jim embraced his all too short retirement, traveling extensively with his wife, Chris, to such places as Canada, Prague, Germany, Ireland, Turkey, Italy and several other Mediterranean countries.  He was preparing to visit Israel for the second time when he was diagnosed with cancer.  Retirement also gave him the time and opportunity to indulge in such activities as studying Spanish and taking classes in culinary arts and ballroom dancing.  He enjoyed raising cattle and trout, riding his tractor, vegetable gardening and watching the birds and wildlife on his property.

            Jim was a member and past President of the Gainesville Lions Club and a member of Stone Lodge 715 F & AM for nearly 34 years.  He also belonged to the FBI National Academy Associates and the Peace Officers Association of Georgia.  Jim especially enjoyed his weekly Bible study group and his Thursday night supper club meetings.  He was a member of St. Gabriel’s Episcopal Church, a church he loved and where he truly felt at home.

            Jim is survived by his wife, Christina Robertson Ash, his daughter & son-in-law, Jennifer & John Roberts of Oceanside, California, his son & daughter-in-law, Jesse & Casey Ash of Savannah, his sister & brother-in-law, Rita & Alvin Clifton of Stone Mountain, his brothers & sisters-in-laws, Ransome & Cora Ash of Dahlonega and Jerry & Kathy Ash of Winder, his brother-in-law & sister-in-law, Jim & Lynda Robertson of Clermont, and his four grandchildren, Carson & Mason Ash of Savannah and Amber & Dylan Roberts of Oceanside, California.

            In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate contributions to St. Gabriel’s Episcopal Church, 2920 Landrum Education Drive, Oakwood, Georgia  30566.

Memorial Park Funeral Home, 2030 Memorial Park Road, Gainesville, GA  30504 is in charge of arrangements.

Send online condolences to www.memorialparkfuneralhomes.com.