James "Jim" Earl Ashcraft

A funeral service, celebrating the life of James Jim Earl Ashcraft, age 73, of Newark, will be held on Friday, September 9, 2016 at 1:00 p.m. at Criss Wagner Hoskinson Funeral Home with Pastor Jeff Camp officiating.Jim was born in Dresden on January 27, 1943 to the late Earl Ashcraft and Marilee Lacey Ashcraft Williams. He left this world September 4, 2016 while surrounded by his loving family at his side. He will be greatly missed by family and friends.Prior to retirement, Jim worked as a group leader with Owens-Corning for 33 years. Jim enjoyed his many years of camping and riding his beloved Goldwing motorcycle with Chapter 0. He also enjoyed family gatherings and watching and playing sports of all kind.Survivors include his wife of 51 years, Paula (Smith) Ashcraft, whom he married January 24, 1965; daughter, Kelly (Eric) Ashcraft Evans, Katrin (fiance, Mike Seevers); son, Nicholas (Sarah) Wilhoit; grandchildren, Erica (Jerome) Evans Kemp, Natasha (Darryl) Evans Hengst, Zachary and Abigail Baker, Olivia, Grace, Holden, Gavin and Tanner Wilhoit; great grandchildren, Alexya Kemp, Ashton, Isabella and Kimberly Hengst; siblings, Karen (Dave) Schirtzinger, Judy (Butch) Graves, Gary (Yolanda) Ashcraft, Ron (Elaine) Ashcraft and Phyllis Jacobs.In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by daughter, Kimberly Ashcraft; and sister, Terri Lynn Shahan.The family would like to thank Kelli Prior for all of her care and help as a special family friend and caregiver.Visitation will be held at the funeral home, 179 Granville Street, Newark on Thursday, September 8, from 2:00 to 4:00 and 6:00 to 8:00 p.m.Criss Wagner Hoskinson Funeral and Cremation Service is honored to care for Jim and the Ashcraft family.