Obituary of James Asher

With appreciation for the time spent with us, the family of Jim Asher announces his death at home on December 1, 2020, with the assistance of MAID. Left with many fond memories are his wife of 46 years Jane (Garey), daughters Kathryn (Adam Gilmore) and Elizabeth, and grandsons Miles Elliot and Reid Alexander. Jim was predeceased by his parents Jock and Maureen as well as brothers John and Robert. He was born in Victoria on August 9, 1944, and later became a passionate Frederictonian with an enduring belief in New Brunswick. Jim was known for his keen intellect, gentle demeanour, and compassionate nature. His good humour and joie de vivre made him an engaging conversationalist. His interests were varied, from astronomy, science, and economics, to music, photography, and liberal arts. Jim was an advocate for literacy and a devoted reader with an ever-changing stack of books by his chair. A prolific writer, he was always so careful with the written word. Progressive in his views, Jim was forever thinking of "how to make the world work" and there is no better example of this than his determination to have a centre of excellence in the study of family violence established on the university campus. Out of this grew the Muriel McQueen Fergusson Foundation. He was excited by technology and using it to help people and communities tell their stories. As a lifelong philosopher Jim had a wonder about the world. He taught philosophy at St. Thomas University and in later years was a member of "The Philosopher’s Soup." His family and friends will miss him dearly and he will miss engaging his beautiful grandsons in the wonders of the universe, particularly under the night sky at the family’s cottage in New River Beach. Should people wish to remember Jim in a special way, please consider a donation to his alma mater St. Thomas University’s student scholarships or causes he supported including Amnesty International and Fredericton Homeless Shelters. A private family celebration of his life will be held at a later date. Good and old friends are welcome to call.