James and Elizabeth Ashlock

Elizabeth Scott Ashlock (Betty), 89, passed away peacefully on December 9, 2020 in Black Mountain, NC. She was born in 1931 in Kansas City, MO to the late Guy and Elsie Scott. James Robert (Jim) Ashlock, 88, passed away peacefully on December 12, 2020 also in Black Mountain, NC. He was born December 3, 1932 in Baird, Texas to the late Ralph and Frances Ashlock. 

Betty attended Park College and ultimately received her undergraduate degree from Kansas State University. She worked in dietetics in Colorado before returning to Kansas City where she met and married James R. Ashlock in 1959. 

Her love for and dedication to family defined her life. As a faithful wife, mother, and homemaker, Betty was involved as a Scout leader, PTO member, and chaperone on numerous school and church trips. She also doted on and loved being surrounded by her four grandchildren. Betty's dedication to community was equally evident. During the thirty years that she and Jim resided in Tallahassee, FL, she was a committed volunteer for The Museum of Florida History, Goodwood Plantation, Springtime Tallahassee, Florida History Fair, Tallahassee Garden Club, and Governor's Mansion and an active member of Trinity Methodist Church. 

Friends fondly recall Betty's beautiful blue eyes, joyful laugh and warm hospitality. She enjoyed playing bridge, taking photographs, entertaining, antiquing and helping others. Betty was also a long-time and loyal member of P.E.O, a philanthropic organization dedicated to the advancement of women through higher education. 

Jim graduated from Baird High School in 1950 and received his undergraduate degree from Texas A&M in 1954. After working at the Pecos Enterprise newspaper, he went on to earn his M.A. from the Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism in NY in 1957. 

Jim was a newspaperman at heart and had a passion for aviation and public/government affairs. These passions provided him the opportunities to work for (in order) The San Angelo Standard-Times, The Kansas City Star, Trans World Airlines (Public Relations), Aviation Week magazine, Eastern Airlines (Public and Government Affairs), Tallahassee, FL Chamber of Commerce (President), and finally back where it all began at Texas A&M University. 

Jim was a part of the airline business when it was going through some of its most transformational changes. He helped foster in the move from piston to jet powered aircraft, oversaw the introduction of computers into all aspects of airline operations, was the face of Eastern Airlines in Miami, FL during challenging union negotiations and helped comfort employees, passengers, and relatives after a number of catastrophic aircraft accidents. Most of his professional life was spent in Miami, FL and Tallahassee Fl. 

His love for Texas A&M and his west Texas roots were ever-present. He was the quintessential "Old Ag", rarely leaving home without his Aggie outerwear. Additionally, he cherished his trips back to Baird, Pecos, The Davis Mountains, and El Paso. 

Jim always enjoyed a good story and was truly never alone. He made friends quickly and made them for life. He was an ardent bass fisherman, crossword puzzle finisher, story writer, Sunday school teacher at Trinity Methodist and trivia savant. He had an infectious laugh that was hard to forget. He was a compassionate husband, loving father, and doting grandfather. As an only-child, his family was what mattered most in his life. 

Jim's affiliations included the Aviation /Space Writers Association, Public Relations Advisory Committee (Florida Society), Greater Miami Aviation Association (President), Eastern Airlines Miami Management Council, Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce (Trustee), Florida Chamber of Commerce (Director), Florida Governor's Tourism Promotion Funding Task Force, Florida State Tourism Advisory Council, and…of course….The Texas A&M Association of Former Students. 

Jim and Betty are survived by their children, Mary Frances Spivey (Mike), Will Ashlock (Mary) and Jennifer Ashlock; grandchildren Jessica Spivey, Michelle Grannes (Dan), Parker Ashlock, and Jamie Ashlock. Betty is also survived by her brother Guy Robert Scott, Jr. 

 A graveside memorial will be held at 10:00 AM Monday, July 12, 2021 at Ross Cemetery in Baird, TX.

Jim and Betty, married 61 years, are remembered as a loving, caring couple that welcomed people through hospitality and friendship. In lieu of flowers, and in honor of their spirit, the family requests donations are made in Betty's name (Elizabeth Scott Ashlock) to P.E.O. International's funds for Cottey College or Program for Continuing Education (https://donations.peointernational.org/peo-donation-cottey). A scholarship endowment in Jim's name is being established at Texas A&M. Donations in his name (James Robert Ashlock, 54) can be sent to the Texas A&M Foundation at 401 George Bush Dr, College Station, TX 77840.  

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