James Clark "Jim" Ashcraft

James Clark Ashcraft, age 81, passed away peacefully Monday, April 8, 2024, at his residence in Sebring, Florida. Services will be held at Harrod Brothers Funeral Home on Thursday, April 18, 2024, at 1:00 p.m. with Rev. Todd Lester officiating. Burial will follow at Frankfort Cemetery. Visitation will be at Harrod Brothers Funeral Home from 10:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. on Thursday.
He was the son of the late James Clark "Son" Ashcraft and Mary Perkins Ashcraft. Jim was born in Richmond, KY where he graduated from Madison Central High School. Immediately following graduation, he joined the United States Air Force where he proudly served his country from 1960 – 1964 and received an honorable discharge. Jim's work ethic, drive, and determination began at the young age of thirteen while working at the White Kitchen in Richmond, KY. He was involved in businesses throughout several states to include dry cleaning operations, Dixie Cream Donuts, and Kentucky Fried Chicken where he worked closely with Colonel Harlan Sanders who served as a mentor during the start of his entrepreneur endeavors. Jim moved to Frankfort, KY in 1969 to manage the Cape Codder restaurant. He later purchased the Cape Codder and changed its name to Jim's Seafood. In 1974, he purchased land on the Kentucky river, which would become the future and current site of Jim's Seafood restaurant. He also owned and operated Baskin Robbins and brought Tumbleweed restaurant to Frankfort, KY.
During his life, he owned Shady Oaks farm where his passion and love for livestock and farming began. This passion led him to the Tennessee Walking Horse and Thoroughbred racing industry where he successfully placed numerous times.
Jim was a former member of the following: City of Frankfort Board of Ethics, Frankfort/Franklin County Tourism Committee, Franklin County Tax Appeal Board, Optimist Club, Finance Committee and Trustee at Buck Run Baptist Church, Board of Directors for the Kentucky Horse Racing Association, and the Tennessee Walking Horse Association. He also supported and coached YMCA basketball leagues.
Even though Jim was a successful businessman, his commitment to family and his faith was what he considered his ultimate success.
He is survived by his beloved wife of fifty-one years, Betty Cloyd Ashcraft; his daughters, Marchele (Gerry) Jenkins, Kathy (Keith) White, and Mary Elizabeth (Todd) Bailey; his sister, Marlene Ashcraft Harvey; his brothers, Paul Wayne Ashcraft and Billy Ashcraft; his grandchildren, Hunter (Monique) Otten, Caleb (Bethany) Otten, Brandon Terrell, Blake (Noelle) Terrell, William Chase Harrod, Autum Bailey, Sheridan Bailey, Amanda (Wayne) Morrison, Adele (Hussain) Gilani, Mikhail (Krisa) Jenkins and Jordan (Omar) Lazalde; fourteen great grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. He was also blessed with many wonderful friends.
In addition to his parents, Jim was preceded in death by his grandson, Brock Spencer Terrell, and his brothers, Harry Daniel Ashcraft and Darrell Ashcraft.
Serving as pallbearers are Ron Cloyd, Roger Slemp and his grandsons.
Serving as honorary pallbearers are Mike Beaudoin, Don McCormick, Bruce McCutchen, Johnny Jordan, and Randy Ferrand.
Jim had a green thumb, and it was shown through his love for gardening and landscaping. The family requests that flowers are sent to honor his memory. In addition to flowers, additional expressions of sympathy may be made to the Capital City Activity Center/Meals on Wheels Greater Frankfort, 202 Medical Heights Drive, Frankfort, KY 40601.
Arrangements are under the direction of Harrod Brothers Funeral Home & Crematory.