James Alton Askew

On September 21st 2024, a day in which the Sun and Moon found equal balance during the Equinox transition from Summer to Fall, James Alton Askew (a.k.a. Jim, Jimbo) passed away peacefully in his sleep at his home in Albuquerque, New Mexico; he was 64 years old.

Jim was born January 28th, 1960, in Fayetteville, North Carolina. After completing high school in Asheboro, NC Jim went on to attend North Carolina State University (as the men in the Askew family did), where he graduated with his Bachelors in 1982 and went on to finish Law School at the University of Denver in 1986. As proud member of the Wolf Pack he never had a kind word about Tar Heels. Esse quam videri, "To be rather than to seem."

Jim is survived by his Mother, Mary, siblings Rebecca, Mary, John and Joe as well as many friends around the world. He is proceeded by his father Eddie, as well as his beloved dogs Colter, Fremont, Tim Stray Dog and Sea Biscuit.

As an Eagle Scout, Jim visited Philmont Scout Ranch in Cimarron, NM. It was there Jim's fondness for the West was born and where he would spend the rest of this life exploring the vast landscapes and high mountains. During college summers, Jim worked at Philmont as a Ranger, Rayado Trek Coordinator, Associate Chief Ranger and eventually the Manager of Logistics. As Manager of Logistics, he oversaw thousands of participants on the ranch. Jim loved to plan, and he found that few things made him happier than a plan well executed.

After Working at Philmont and getting his law license, Jim moved to Albuquerque, NM, which he called home, for the rest of his life. He started his law career as a Clerk for Judge Stewart Rose in Federal Bankruptcy Court. Jim then went on to specialize in Bankruptcy. He worked for various law firms in Albuquerque until finally establishing his own practice, The Askew Law Firm. Jim was also listed in the Best Lawyers in America and the Southwest Super Lawyers 2010-2024 for his expertise and experience in Bankruptcy & Creditor/Debtor Rights Law.

"Esse quam videri," is found in Cicero's essay, "On Friendship," and Jim definitely had many friends from all around the world and all walks of life. He loved sharing adventures around the western United States with his vast network of comrades. Jim climbed all the fourteen-thousand-foot-high mountain peaks in Colorado (twice) and was a few peaks short of all of them three times. It is estimated that around 3,000 people have climbed all 54-peaks once, so twice put Jim in rare company. He also climbed Wheeler Peak, the highest point in New Mexico over 50-times. Jim also took a copy of Lonesome Dove to the top of Denali Peak in Alaska, the highest mountain in the United States.

Finally, Jimbo loved the outdoors, Jerry Jeff Walker, the study of history, camping, rye whiskey ("provided it got here quick, Larry McMurtry"), and steam engines (in particular, the 473 out of Durango, Colorado). Perhaps, he must have heard a steam whistle blow and the call, "All Aboard," as he passed on.

The only healthy way to live life is, "to learn to like all the little everyday things - like a sip of good whiskey in the evening, a soft bed, a glass of buttermilk, or a feisty gentleman, Larry McMurtry," like Jimbo. You will be missed by all the lives you touched. While we have lost Jim he still lives on, just in another part of our heart. "Uva Uvam Vivendo Varia Fit, The grape changes ripens by looking at another grape" a memorial service is being planned for January 2025.