John Connor Ashby, 77 years old of Ventura, CA. passed away peacefully in his home on October 14th, 2024 from natural causes.
John was born in Tyler Texas to Connor and Dorothy Ashby on December 14th, 1946.
After his family relocated to Ventura, he graduated in 1964 with the inaugural class of the newly built Buena High School. John went on to earn an Associate of Arts degree from Ventura College, where he developed a passion for the liberal arts and videography, which he later taught.
At 18 years old, John was drafted into the U.S. Army, serving a tour of duty in Vietnam. Upon returning home, he married Karen Day in a ceremony held at Arroyo Verde Park. Though they later separated, they built a life in Santa Paula, having two sons, and establishing “The Whole Bean Gallery,” one of the first gourmet whole bean coffee stores in Ventura County which was successfully run for 26 years.
He was known for his social and friendly disposition, always taking any opportunity to strike up a conversation. He was a familiar face in downtown Ventura, where he often engaged with others and built lasting friendships, the closest of which was with Tony Krout. The family is especially grateful for Tony’s unwavering friendship and support.
John is survived by his son, David Alan Ashby; daughter-in-law, Analyn Ashby; and his two beloved granddaughters, Matilda and Olive; of Carnegie, PA. He is also survived by his sister, Barbara Ashby of Ventura; nephews Jim Motley of Ventura; Gary Ashby and family of Austin, TX; Michael Ashby and family of Austin, TX; as well as the mother of his two children, Karen Wilda of Great Falls, MT. He is preceded in death by his son, Robert Connor Ashby of Ventura, CA.
Funeral Services:
A viewing will be held at the JOSEPH P. REARDON FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICE, 757 E. Main Street Ventura from 6 – 8 p.m. Monday, October 21st, 2024 and all are welcome to join with family in saying goodbye to John. John will be laid to rest the following morning with a graveside funeral service and military honors to held at Ivy Lawn Cemetery in Ventura at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, October 22nd, 2024.