Dr. James Park "Jimmy" Ashley, of Columbia, SC, passed away peacefully early Monday morning, November 27, 2023, at the age of 86.

He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Peggy Herndon Ashley; daughter, Margaret Nason Ashley; two sons, James Park Ashley, Jr. and wife, Lindsey Willis Ashley, Bryan Ellis Ashley and wife, Gibbon Miler Ashley; and three grandchildren, Bryan Ellis Ashley, Jr., Grace Hutchinson Ashley, and Charlotte Miler Ashley. In addition to his parents, he was preceded by his sister, Faith Ashley, and brother, Clarence Allen Ashley III.

Jimmy was born to Julia Park Ashley and Clarence Allen Ashley, Jr. in Columbia, SC, on October 18, 1937. With the outbreak of war, he spent much of his childhood with family in Hendersonville, NC and Anderson, SC, finally returning to Columbia with the homecoming of his father in 1945. Jimmy attended Columbia High School, graduating in 1955 as a decorated athlete, earning all state honors in football. Jimmy graduated from the University of South Carolina in 1959 with a bachelor of arts in English. During his time at USC, Jimmy served as president of Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity and made many lasting friendships. After a year working for the highway department, he matriculated at the Medical University of South Carolina.

During his time in Charleston, he fell in love with the water and spent countless hours on Charleston Harbor aboard The Cockroach or The Sure Thing, taking the required time ashore to obtain his medical doctorate in 1965. He completed an internship at the Medical College of Virginia in Richmond, returning to Charleston to complete his residency in internal medicine, where he met the love of his life, Peggy. An illness necessitated a change of plans, and he ultimately completed a residency in radiology with a fellowship in nuclear medicine. He spent the first several years after training in Spartanburg, SC, before settling in Columbia, joining Dr. Jerry Rothstein and Dr. J.D. Whitehead at Lexington Radiology Associates, where he enjoyed a long career, retiring in 1999.

Jimmy was ever the optimist, his mantra being "I've never had two bad days in a row." Those who knew him well will remember his kindness and enthusiasm for life. A man of many passions, he enjoyed reading, with a particular interest in history. He loved the outdoors, and whenever possible he would find his way to the water for a day of fishing or sailing. He spent many weekends in the deer stand or dove field, taking in a Carolina football game in between. As a devoted father, he patiently shared all of his passions with his children. His impact was felt by at least two generations of Columbia youths who called the Ashley house their second home, where they could always count on a warm welcome from Dr. Ashley.

Jimmy had a wonderful sense of humor with an infectious laugh, and he filled his life and the lives of those around him with joy. He left this world a more wonderful place than he found it, and stayed characteristically positive until the end. Anyone that knew him would have to agree, he never had two bad days in a row.

The graveside service for Dr. Ashley will be held at 12 o'clock on Saturday, December 2nd, at Elmwood Cemetery, 501 Elmwood Ave, Columbia, SC. The family will receive friends following the service at The Palmetto Club, 1231 Sumter St. Columbia, SC. Shives Funeral Home, Trenholm Road Chapel, is assisting the family.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Babcock Center Foundation, 2725 Banny Jones Ave, West Columbia, SC 29170.