In Memory
John B. Ashby
John Ashby passed away in the early morning hours of March 11, 2024, at the Trillium House in Marquette, Michigan, after a long illness.
John graduated from Adams High School in South Bend, Indiana, after which he joined the Air Force and served for four years. Upon his honorable discharge from the service, he enrolled at Western Michigan University where he discovered his love of learning and earned a bachelor’s degree in Political Science with honors. He subsequently received a master’s degree in Political Science from the University of Michigan, after which he worked for a time as a Ford Foundation Intern at the Michigan State Senate. He next received a full scholarship to Notre Dame which made it possible for him to pursue and complete his Ph.D. in Political Science with an emphasis in constitutional law.
John joined the faculty at Northern Michigan University in 1969 where he established a reputation as a highly effective member of the Political Science Department. He retired in 2001 after 31 years of service. The quality of John’s teaching and advising is reflected in the flow of unsolicited laudatory comments from his former students who have gone on to have successful careers as teachers, lawyers, judges, elected officials, public administrators and leaders of nonprofit organizations.
While John enjoyed creating an irascible public image, his students and the people who knew him well recognized that he was really a compassionate, caring and community spirited person. His work with Bay Cliff Health Camp’s Notre Dame Summer Internship program, the support and assistance he provided to indigent and elderly individuals, and his generous contribution of time and energy to many other local groups was truly commendable.
To paraphrase the lyrics of one his favorite songs, John Ashby “did it his way”. He will be sorely missed by those who knew him.
John is survived by his wife of 62 years, Judith Reyniers Ashby, his son Caleb, his daughter Luci, his sister Aileen Kaye Wathen, his sister-in-law Dixie Ashby, his extended family and a host of friends. John was preceded in death by his parents and his brother Thomas Ashby.
John’s family thanks the exceptional and caring staff at the Trillium House, the late Dr. Huffman, Dr. Acharya and staff, the Marshfield Marquette Clinic team, and UP Home Health and Hospice, all of whom provided compassionate and professional care throughout his illness.
At John’s request, no public service will be held. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be sent to Trillium House, 1144 Northland Drive Marquette, MI 49855 or Bay Cliff Health Camp, P.O. Box 310, Big Bay, MI 49808.
Condolences may be expressed online at fassbenderswansonhansen.com
Posted online on March 18, 2024
Published in South Bend Tribune
03/19/2024 EJS
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