Lawrence Judson Ashford, Jr. (Jack Ashford) was born in Colby, Kansas on June 30th, 1932. He was the oldest child of Lawrence Judson Ashford, Sr. and Edith Josephine Ashford (nee Wheaton). He passed away peacefully on Friday, January 14th, 2022 at 2:20 a.m.; with Jenni praying with him. Jack had given his life to the Lord years ago and believed that when he died he would be with the Lord for Eternity. He attended Grade School in Coby; growing up with all of his family and cousins around him. This is where as a child he would go flying with his Dad at 9 years old and he would be allowed to “take one lap around the field” and take a lesson. On his 16th Birthday, he spent the whole day with his Dad and got his Driver’s License and his Pilot’s License. They moved to Limon where he attended Junior High and then when they moved to Colorado Springs, he attended High School. He graduated in 1950 and went to Colorado University (C.U.) in Boulder for 2 years’ studying Aeronautical Engineering. Jack was married to Ann (Habiger) when he was 19. They had four children – girls, Robin, Lark, Jay and a boy, Martin; all birds’ names. He worked in Colorado Springs, designing ejection seats for Military Jets. He was hired as a Pilot by United Airlines in February, 1955. They were divorced in 1963. He purchased a Flying Business at Longmont Airport; which was known as Ashford Aviation and became Airport Manager for 5 years. He sold this business when they moved to California in 1969, flying as Captain for United Airlines. He married Nancy (nee Craw) (Skitt) in 1964. She was a widow with 4 boys. They divorced in 1981. He married Karla (Eckrem) a divorced Mother of 3 boys who were grown – and they were divorced when Jack retired from United Airlines, in1992. Jack bought and sold airplanes and built experimental aircraft too; owning a bi-plane. He also enjoyed aero-arobatics (stunt flying in various Air Shows) and owned a North American P 51 Mustang; a World War fighter plane which he flew and loved. He owned a number of planes and in his last plane he loved to fly up to Greeley for breakfast or lunch with his flying partner, Lou DaHarb. Also, Jack was a Realtor and owned a number of Rental properties, private homes and businesses, over many years and he continued this up until quite recently. In 1993 he met Jenni (nee Upton) (Muller) and they were married on December 26, 1993. She had three children from a previous marriage. They met through the Christian Singles Network; just before Internet era. They both loved music and they both played the piano and would often entertain friends playing the keyboard and piano; playing duets. They enjoyed swimming and two of their homes had an indoor swimming pool. Jack loved Architecture and design and designed a swimming pool in their “Lake House” in Longmont. Jack loved the various dogs that they welcomed into their family and he enjoyed them so much. In 2012 they sold their home in Longmont and moved to a single storey home in Mead, Colorado. Jack had previously bought Action RV in Berthoud and when the company moved to Loveland they traveled and attended RV Shows and enjoyed camping trips. At the same time they were members of the Colorado Classic Convertible Club; going on various trips around the USA. They owned a red and white 1967 Lincoln Convertible and they would drive in the St. Patrick’s Parade in Denver and also drove in a number of Christmas Parades in Longmont. Jack was a member of the Rotary Club of Longmont for many years; hosting a number of Russian groups, and volunteering. Jack and Jenni became members of Rocky Mountain Christian Church when they were married and in recent years were members of Life Bridge Christian Church in Longmont and recently became affiliated with Whitefields Community Church. Jack would enjoy listening to Sunday Services on the Internet because he was confined to a wheelchair and became unable to travel in a car. Throughout the time of being confined to a power wheelchair, for the past 6 years, he remained so brave. His movement disorder had become more serious in recent years. In November, 2021 he was diagnosed with congestive heart disease and Stage 3 kidney disease and Tru Community Hospice Care began their amazing care in their home. He was always so grateful for this care… and continued to love telling his jokes and had such a great sense of humor. Jack believed that he would reach the age of 90 in June and was intending having a “big party”. However, he was able to enjoy a family gathering this past Christmas Eve. Jack is survived by his wife, Jenni, his children Lark and Martin (Star), grand-daughter Amber Ashford, step-children Grant Muller (Adrian) and Candice Kingston (Lucas), grand-sons, Will, Gavin and Gray. Jack is preceded in death by his Father, Mother and sister, Peggy, niece Jill and a number of cousins from California, Texas and Kansas. A Celebration of Life will be held February 19, 2022 at 11 a.m. at Whitefields Community Church 2950 Colorful Avenue, Longmont CO 80504. A light lunch will be served.
Published by Longmont Times-Call from Jan. 23 to Jan. 24, 2022.
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