PHOTOS:

Ashers-article

July 22, 1931 – November 27, 2022

James E. Asher, 91, was called home to our Lord and his loving wife on November 27, 2022, at The Villas at San Bernardino due to leukemia. He and his wife, Marilyn, lived in the Lake Arrowhead area for 66 years.
Jim was born July 22, 1931, in Los Angeles to John and Dorothy Asher, who preceded him in death. He grew up with sisters June, Mary and Mable Eileen.
He graduated from South Pasadena High School in 1949 and attended college at Oregon State University, where he met and married Marilyn Struebing. Jim entered the Army in January of 1954.
Jim started working as a consulting forester in 1957. After being honorably discharged from the Army, he worked for the U.S. Forest Service, then later as a volunteer and then as a full-time firefighter for Crest Forest Fire Department. He left Crest Forest in 1971, after serving as battalion chief, fire prevention officer, assistant chief and chief. He was known for his love of trees and taking care of the forest in whatever capacity was needed for as long as he was able.
His hobbies included “talking to trees,” playing guitar and telling “Millcreek Sam” stories at the family cabin in Forest Falls. He enjoyed his involvement with the Masons, including participating in the annual Masonic barbecue and serving in various chairs, including as Master in 2008.
He was involved with leadership at the Lake Arrowhead Community Presbyterian Church, serving as an elder. He also sang in the choir and took care of the trees on the church property.
Jim was involved in the Rotary Club, as well as the Society of American Foresters and the Association of Consulting Foresters. He was registered as a professional engineer in agricultural engineering. He donated blood to the Riverside-San Bernardino blood bank for decades and was part of the chambers of commerce on the mountain.
He was a loving husband, known affectionately as “Hubbin” to Marilyn’s “Wif.” He was a wonderful father and “Grampajim.” He was known for his integrity and good humor in his personal and business dealings.
Jim is survived by his daughters, Lynne Asher-Kiter and Laure Ochart; grandchildren Micah Kiter, Aaron Ochart, Justen Asher, Amandah Provost, David Ochart, Christopher Kiter, Elizabeth Bramlett, Rabekah Ochart and K. Asher Ochart. Great-grandchildren are Elijah Kiter, Aurora Ochart, Scottie Provost and Asher James Ochart. He is also survived by his sister, Mable Eileen Green.
Jim spent his recent remaining year in assisted living at the Villas at San Bernardino near his wife, Marilyn, who was a resident there as well.
A graveside service was held at Riverside National Cemetery on December 15, 2022. A Masonic ceremony will be held on January 14, 2023, at 2:00 p.m. at the Twin Peaks Lodge. A memorial for both Jim and Marilyn will be held the first weekend of June 2023, at the Lake Arrowhead Community Presbyterian Church.