James Elton "Farmer" Ashley, Sr., 91, of Windsor, Virginia passed away on July 9, 2021.

He was born in Chowan County, North Carolina, the son of the late Myrtle Williams  and John Francis Ashley.  James farmed for 80 years and worked as a pump operator for the City of Norfolk Public Utilities.  He was a United States Army Veteran of the Korean Conflict.  James is predeceased by a son, William Francis Ashley, Sr. and  sisters, Edith Ashley Overton, Ertie Ashley Lane, Onita Ashley and brothers Johnny Lee Ashley and Robert Francis Ashley.

James is survived by his wife of 41 years, Virginia Lee Riebe Ashley; a daughter, Janet Lee Spencer (Andy); a son, James E. Ashley, Jr.; a step-daughter, Tammy V. Jump (Don); a step-son, Ernest Parker, III; 12 Grandchildren; Numerous Great-Grandchildren; a Great-Great-Granddaughter; a sister, Thelma A. Lane; and a brother, Herman Ashley (Carolyn).

A Celebration of Life will be held on Wednesday, July 14, 2021 at 7:00p.m. at Parr Funeral Home, 3515 Robs Drive, Suffolk, Virginia 23434 with the Rev. Michael D. Halley officiating.  A visitation will immediately follow the service.  Burial will be private with military honors.  Condolences may be registered online at www.parrfuneralhome.com .