Jim R. Ash

STERLING - James "Jim" R. Ash, 73, of Sterling died on Friday, February 21, 2025, at UMass Memorial Medical Center- University Campus after a short illness.
Born on April 10, 1951, in Holden, Jim Ash was the beloved son of Charles and Myrtle
(Eccleston) Ash. A lifelong resident of Sterling, Jim graduated from Wachusett Regional
High School in 1969.
Jim dedicated much of his life to the drilling industry, working for several reputable
companies, including Domestic Wells Inc., DL Maher, Geosearch, and Sontag Pump Co. In
addition, he served the community at the Sterling Senior Center and, most recently, at
Sterling Storage Solutions. His commitment to his community was evident through his
volunteer work at the Senior Center, following in the footsteps of his mother, Myrtle, who
also devoted herself to service. Jim, alongside his brothers, continued the family tradition
of assisting with the avenue of flags, a practice their father, Charles, began in 1989.
Jim had an undeniable passion for gardening, had great pride in his home and a green
thumb that was unmatched. He could often be found in his backyard, meticulously
building stone walls and nurturing his plants and flowers with the utmost patience and
care. The joy he found in working the land was clear, and it was in these simple moments-whether it was planting a new flower, spending time with his family, or simply soaking in the beauty of the outdoors-that he felt most at peace. Jim took great pride in sharing his love for nature with his grandchildren, often bringing them into the garden to teach them the wonders of the earth. Beyond his gardening, he was a constant presence at his grandsons' sporting events and granddaughters' dance recitals, always cherishing time spent with his grandchildren in the yard, watching them play. He supported them with the same enthusiasm and love that he poured into everything he did. He was predeceased by his parents, Charles and Myrtle Ash, as well as his brothers, Wesley and Jerry Ash.
Jim is survived by his devoted wife of 48 years, Mary-Ellen (Rugg) Ash of Sterling; his
children, Lauren Handfield and her husband Corey of Auburn, Brian Ash and his wife
Jessica of Oakham; his siblings, Dee Koegel of North Carolina, Carla Aul of South Carolina, and Robert Ash of West Boylston; and his most cherished grandchildren, Zach Dan, Parker, Kaelynn, Cora, and Allison. He also leaves behind many loved nieces, nephews, as well as grand and great-grandnieces and nephews.
Family and friends are invited to calling hours on Sunday, March 2, 2025, from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at Miles-Sterling Funeral & Tribute Center, 100 Worcester Road, Sterling, MA
01564. A private burial will take place at Hillside Cemetery in Sterling at the convenience of the family.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Jim's honor to the Sterling Ambulance Fund, P.O. Box 515, Sterling, MA 01564.