James Lee ‘Jimmy’ Ash
James Lee ‘Jimmy’ Ash
James Lee “Jimmy” Ash, 73, singer, songwriter, poet, author, artist, sculptor, armchair Hill Country philosopher, raconteur and restaurateur died of cancer Oct. 2, 2018 among family and other loved ones at his home in Wimberley, Texas.
A native of Tulsa, Oklahoma, Jimmy was born on May 17, 1945, the second child of Harry Thomas Ash and Leona Dallman Ash. He and his seven siblings grew up in a number of locations throughout the Midwest and South. He attended the University of the Americas in Mexico City and the University of Southern Mississippi before settling permanently in the San Marcos and Wimberley area. He was the proud father of seven children and was well known far and wide for his warm, loving personality and all-embracing hugs.
Jimmy was the composer or co-composer of more than 300 songs with his brother Tom Ash. Together the two formed multiple music groups and sang together for more than half a century. Along the way they formed Singing Leona Music, which published several CDs with their siblings, Brian Ash, Lee Ash-Cantu, Shawn Ash, Kate Ash, and nephew Forest Pope. The Ash Family — now encompassing several generations of performers — continues to be a staple of the Hill Country and the Texas music scene.
Jimmy had an interesting and varied career ranging from the offshore oilfields, to surveying, to the management of several restaurants. In 2006, he and his long-time partner and much-loved spouse, Linda Allen, founded Linda Allen’s Fine Foods and Catering in Wimberley.
Ash is survived by Linda Allen of Wimberley, Malone Allen, and Cameron Allen of Atlanta, GA, former spouse, Martha Ash of San Marcos, Amanda Hopper, and Emily Ash of Austin and Marty Ash of San Marcos. Preceded in death by former spouse, Jocelyn Gilbert, he is survived by their children, Jennifer Irvin of San Marcos and James D. Ash of Austin.
Also surviving are the Ash siblings: Thomas Ash of Kingsbury, Margaret Sneed of Castle Rock, CO, Charles Ash of Birmingham, AL, Kate Ash of San Marcos, Brian Ash of Wimberley, Shawn Ash of San Marcos, and Lee Ash-Cantu of Uvalde; a large number of loving cousins, in-laws, nieces, nephews, grandchildren, grandnieces, and grandnephews.
In addition to Ms. Gilbert, Jimmy was predeceased by Harry Thomas Ash, Leona Dallman Ash, and Aleta Grace Bender.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held at Linda’s Fine Foods, 500 FM 2325, Wimberley, TX on Sunday, Oct. 28, 2018 at 3 p.m.
In lieu of flowers please make donations to the charity of your choice.
The Allen-Ash family would like to express their gratitude to Palliative Care of Wimberley and to all the family and friends who have provided extraordinary love and support.
