James Allen Ashby

James Allen Ashby, 68, of Cleveland Texas, passed away suddenly on January 8th, 2025. He was born on March 14th, 1956, to the late Mary and Leve Ashby here in Cleveland, where he lived all of his life. He was wed to his loving wife Reta Ashby with whom he raised 4 wonderful daughters. James made an incredible impact on those around him. He was a pillar in the community and his sudden loss can be deeply felt. James retired from his position as a Corporal in the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Department in April of 2011. During his career he touched the lives of a multitude of people. In November of 2004 while working in the jail James showed his quick thinking and resourcefulness when he saved the life of an electrician that was doing maintenance in the jail; The electrician had come into contact with a live wire and was being electrocuted when James’ quick thinking with a non-conductive piece of wood separated the man from the wire. As an elder at Lifestyle Community Church, he completed countless hours of volunteer work. There was no task too big or too small for Jim; He truly is one of the people that would have gladly given the shirt off his back to help out a stranger. His loved ones take comfort in knowing that he is in heaven with his Lord Jesus Christ who he was a devoted follower of. 

James was preceded in death by his parents, Leve Eugine Ashby and Mary Benford Ashby; his brother, John Hicks Smith; his sisters, Brenda Sue Ashby, Sally Faye Williams, and Billie Jean Lilley; his grandson, Dalton James Futrell. 

James is survived by his wife, Reta Kay Ashby; his daughters, Trinity Dian Futrell, Christi Cay Smoot, Rebekah Lenn Ashby Renteria, and Jamie Lea Ashby Patterson; his sons-in-law, Richard James Futrell, Christopher Gene Renteria, and Patrick Ryan Patterson; his sister, Patricia Ann Ashby; his grandsons, Philip James Roberts, Micah James Ashby, and James Harold Patterson; his granddaughters, Meagan Nicole Futrell and Samantha Grace Futrell. 

A visitation for James will be held at Pace-Stancil Funeral Home on Wednesday, January 15th from 5pm – 8pm. The funeral service will be held the following day on Thursday, January 16th in the Pace-Stancil Chapel, with Pastor Duane Hamilton officiating. Honors will be provided by the Montgomery County Sherriff's Office Honor Guard. He will be laid to rest at Morgan Cemetery in Cleveland, Texas. 

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the FireBible Organization (https://firebible.org/donate/), or Gideons International (https://www.gideons.org/donate).

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the good faith. Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness…” 2 Timothy 4:7

“Brothers and sisters, we do not want you to be uninformed about those who sleep in death, so that you do not grieve like the rest of mankind, who have no hope. For we believe that Jesus died and rose again, and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in Him." 1 Thessalonians 4:13-14

“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” Psalm 34:18

“Fear not for I am with you; be not dismayed for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous hand: Isaiah 41:10