About James

James Lashley was a great man. Though he died young at the age of 22 he was loved by all. He was born in Port Huron, MI to George and Peggy Lashley.  He was very fond of “The Farm”, which was the family's homestead. He was raised a country boy through and through. Hard work and determination characterized this strong and loving young man.

He started his way by learning to bail hay with his uncle. He finished High school in Richmond, MI and started going to AIS. When he moved from MI to Phoenix in his later years he took a break from school but then picked it back up by attending college. His ambitions were to become not just a great wielder but also a successful businessman. 

He was best described as being a little bit of everyone. While he grew up with not only 6 siblings he had many to call his family. James did not miss out in the love department. When he would invite you into his life you were no longer a friend but family. He was a strong hold in most of our lives. He knew how to bring and keep his family together. Not only did he know how to look at the big picture and let go of the little things he knew how to help mend straining bonds.

Football was a big part of his schooling. He started in junior high and continued on into his high school career. Playing football was not only an accomplishment for him but for us all. Football was a way for everyone to share in his life. Friday night football brought us all out to cheer him on. We were able to show our pride for this young boy with not only the amount of attendees but also showing up in his rally gear. 

We can remember the nights spent under long warm clothing when it was snowing, under rain proof jackets and hats cuddling to stay warm and on those beautiful nights jumping up and down yelling “Let’s go James, let’s go.”

He loved the finer things in life like 4X4’ing, fishing, hunting and most of all his toys.

 He would be rounding up the troops early Saturday morning making sure the families were packed and ready to go out into the desert. He was not afraid of getting a little dirty. He would take his quad out into the deepest darkest ponds just to see how much dirt he could get on himself. He would go night fishing and come home with anchovies in his jacket sleeves. He would pack the nieces and nephews into his big ol dodge and run them through the mud puddles. Riding his motorcycle was near and dear to his heart. Many members of the family would get together and go on long bike rides to see the country side.

It felt like not much time had passed before James had grown into a young man. He was courageous, outgoing, and loving. He did not have a long life but a very fulfilled one. He had joined the military, started a career, found someone to love and was creating lasting bonds. He met his gal not long ago. As the family bonded with her it was apparent she was the love of his life. James had an old soul when it came to this girl. He loved her like the world could have ended the next day. The new found joy was over whelming tender.