Thomas Jess Ashley

1932 - 2017

Thomas Jess Ashley obituary, 1932-2017, Los Angeles, CA

Thomas Ashley Obituary

January 17, 1932 - July 4, 2017 Born in Los Angeles to immigrant parents, Douglas Ashley and Helen South; Thomas (Tom) attended South Gate High School before enrolling at Fresno State College as a scholarship football player. Upon graduating as a twenty year old, Tom enlisted in the Marine Corps, was stationed at Cherry Point, N.C., and reached the rank of 1st Lieutenant. Upon leaving the Marine Corps Tom returned to California to pursue and earn a Ph.D. at Claremont Graduate School. While raising a family that began in North Carolina Tom worked first as a professor at UCLA and then Orange State College/Fullerton State College (now CSUF). While at Orange State College Tom served as their first Tennis Coach. From that point on Tom led a remarkable life in the field of planning and land development; contributing to the land acquisition, planning and development of the EPCOT Center at Disney World in Florida, serving as Vice President of the Irvine Company, later conceiving of and realizing for Maui Land and Pineapple Company the resort of Kapalua in Hawaii, and many other developments throughout his private practice. Tom enjoyed travelling, outdoor activities such as skiing, tennis and sailing; but always had time to aid and assist others. He particularly enjoyed living on Maui, skiing in Sun Valley, and vacationing in Puerto Vallarta. After residing for most of the past 50 years in Orange County, CA, Tom moved closer to his son's family this past year in Marina del Rey. Tom is survived by: his first wife Janice; his children, twin siblings Peter and Cynthia (Lee); daughters Susan, and Karen (Braithwaite); twelve grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; and was preceded in death by his second wife Judilyn and great-grandchild Scott Braithwaite.

Published by Los Angeles Times from Jul. 29 to Jul. 30, 2017.
34465541-95D0-45B0-BEEB-B9E0361A315A

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Memories and Condolences
for Thomas Ashley

Not sure what to say?





1 Entry

My family sends our sincere condolences for your loss. May happy memories of your loved one and the words of Isaiah 57:15 provide you with much comfort.

Green Family

July 29, 2017

Showing 1 - 1 of 1 results

Make a Donation
in Thomas Ashley's name

Memorial Events
for Thomas Ashley

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

How to support Thomas's loved ones
Commemorate a cherished Veteran with a special tribute of Taps at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Thomas Ashley's life and legacy
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more