Birth date: Aug 18, 1927 Death date: Jun 22, 2020
James William Asbury was born August 18, 1927 in O'Fallon, Illinois to Earl Evans and Josephine Asbury and grew up with an older brother Earl and younger sister Mary. He graduated from New Baden High School in 1945 and then enlist Read Obituary
Some of the first people we met at First United Methodist Church, were Jim and Bonnie Asbury. They were always so caring and supportive of us and our family, and Jim brought joy to everyone he knew, no matter what he might be dealing with. We miss his bright smile and cheery greeting. Our prayers continue for Bonnie and all of the family during the days ahead. May God bless you with the sweet memories of Jim and bring you comfort, peace, and joy.
Gary and Glenda Johnson
Reunion and Worship
O, what a reunion in Heaven there will be
When the saints are gathered around the crystal sea!
O, what glad rejoicing in joyous harmony
When with our Lord Jesus all gathered we will be.
Loved ones gone before us will be there at our side
Arrayed in snow white robes, with smiles a mile wide.
We will be together for all eternity,
Our hearts joined in worship of Jesus' majesty.
O what worship sounding when we shall have our voice:
Glory, glory to God! For we made Christ our choice!
by Alison Sanders, Jim's cousin
Jim is experiencing that great reunion now. We miss him here, but we will see him again one day! May God bless and comfort all of Jim's family and friends! And may God raise others up, as the pastor said, to fill Jim's very big shoes and continue the work of ministry sharing the good news of the kingdom of God with others.
Alison Sanders
One of my favorite memories was golfing at Southern Hills. Frequently Jim would bring young Bill along. He was about 9 or 10 years old and Jim would have him tee off with us on most of the holes after we started our round. Even at that young age Bill hit pretty good drives. I regretted not having a young son to join Bill, and even then Kyle Ann was a lot younger and wouldn't fit in. You could see Jim was a very loving father.
I am Jim's younger sister, Mary. During the summer of 1951, when Jim was out of town during the week, I came from Illinois and stayed with Jim and Bonnie and took three
classes at Hastings College. We became very close and It was a wonderful summer!
The Rankin family and Asbury family have such a long, meaningful and memorable history. My guess is that our parents met in the church and the relationship bloomed from there. I do remember spending time in your home as a family and even family vacations. The memories are fond and the times were good. Jim and Bonnie were role models to so many and I know Pat and Perry will rejoice when they see Jim again in heaven! Love to all.
