James Basil Ashby's Obituary
Graveside Services including Military Honors for James “Basil” Ashby will be held Friday, April 14, 2023 at 2:00 P.M. at Alexandria Memorial Gardens in Woodworth, LA with Supt. Maurice Johnson officiating.
Visitation will be Friday, April 14, 2023 from 10:00 A.M. until 12:30 P.M. at Labby Memorial Funeral Home of Leesville.
Basil was born on August 8, 1950 in Enid, Oklahoma. He passed away on Tuesday, April 11, 2023 in Leesville, LA.
Basil graduated from Leesville High School in 1969. Immediately after graduation, he joined the United States Marine Corps with the “Buddy Plan” and immediately after completing USMC Boot Camp was sent to Vietnam. These four “brothers”, Basil Ashby, Reggie Strain, Larry Laurent, and Gary Kay shared a friendship that went way beyond Vietnam and turned into a lifelong brotherhood.
Basil’s education started with graduation from Leesville High School but went on to include School of Drafting from Many Community College, Business Management from the University of Houston, Oceaneering Commercial Driving, Defense Acquisition University and Fiscal Law Tutorial.
After the military, Basil worked as an independent agent for Prudential Life Insurance in Shreveport, General Sales Manager for Borden Corporation in Houston, TX, Owner of both Ashby Distributing Company in Houston, TX and Cajun Ice House Bar and Convenience Store. Upon returning to Leesville, he began working as Lodging/Housing Manager at Ft Polk and eventually retired from DPW as a Senior Manager.
Basil enjoyed life and lived it to the fullest every day. He was a great friend to all who knew him and was always willing to lend a helping hand. He was a hard worker and enjoyed being around people. Basil loved to cook and shared that love while entertaining all his friends. His passion and love for animals was known by all. Above all, he enjoyed being with those he loved and making memories that would last. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.
Basil is preceded in death by his father: Cliff Ashby; stepmother: Louise Ashby; daughter: Heather Bookter.
Left to cherish his memory is his life partner of 38 years: Judith Martin of Leesville; Daughters: Lisa Ashby of Houston, Brandy Lott of Houston, Kimberly Wallis of Leesville; siblings: Brenda Boone and husband Tommy of Taylors Cove, TX, Debbie Phillips and husband William Reid of Hornbeck, Truly Bozeman and wife Janie of Pleasant Hill, Barbara Jacobs and husband Cecil of Pleasant Hill, Linda Lievsay and husband James of Baytown, TX. ; 7 grandchildren; 1 great grandchild; furbaby: Badger and a host of nieces and nephews.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Vernon Parish Animal Shelter or the Humane Society of West La.
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