James Aston

With a life that spanned times of war and times of peace, times of plenty and times of want, James “Jim” Aston, Jr. was an extraordinary man to know and love. He loved traveling and experienced so many amazing things, but what made these things extraordinary was sharing them with the ones he loved. A devoted husband, father, and grandfather, Jim was a strong and steady presence in the lives of his beloved family. A longtime member of the community he loved, he was the sort of person everyone seemed to know. Life will never be the same without Jim here, but he leaves behind a timeless legacy that his loved ones will proudly carry on in his footsteps.

The year 1929 was a year to remember in America, but not in the best of ways. It was in October of that year that the historic stock market crash sent our nation and much of the world spiraling down into the depths of the Great Depression that covered us like a wet blanket for more than 10 years. It was just prior to this eventful day that James Dougall and Marie (Canlon) Aston were eagerly awaiting the birth of their new baby as the heat of the summer held the city of Detroit, Michigan, firmly in its grip in 1929. Their wait was over on July 11th when the baby boy they named James Dougall Aston Jr. drew his first breath. He was their only child and the apple of his parents’ eye. To support their family, Jim’s father was vice president of Peoples Federal Savings and Loan while his mother was a former teacher who left the workforce to care for her home and family.

In many ways Jim was a young boy of his generation. He was a Boy Scout who earned the prestigious rank of Eagle Scout. Jim also played baseball, both shortstop and second base. Jim was an altar boy at St. Luke’s parish in Detroit, and he also attended Detroit Catholic Central during his high school years. He graduated from high school in 1947 and then went on to graduate from the University of Detroit in 1951.

Eager to serve his country, Jim served as an Army Corporal during the Korean Conflict. He was stationed at Aberdeen Proving Ground in Maryland. During his time in the service, Jim was the company clerk in an ordinance division. He occasionally was sent to Detroit to bring back AWOL soldiers.

Not to be forgotten during his younger years was Jim’s introduction to the woman of his dreams. Her name was Rose D’Agostino, and it didn’t take them long to fall deeply in love. With a desire to spend the rest of their lives together, Jim and Rose were married. They purchased a home in Redford, and together they welcomed two daughters, Joan and Jan, into their hearts and home. To support his family, Jim made a career as an independent representative in automotive supply. Later in life, he was filled with unspeakable joy to become a grandfather to five amazing grandchildren, Max, Jillian, Logan, Colin, and Cameron.

Throughout his life Jim was one to keep busy. He was an avid traveler who made it to over 100 countries. Among his favorites were Ireland, Puerto Vallarta, various cruises, and staying at the Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island. A sports lover, Jim was an avid fan of the Lions, Red Wings, and Tigers. In fact, he had season tickets to the Lions for 61 years! A car buff, Jim owned a 1929 model A and was a member of the Motor City Model A Club. Jim was proud to be a 40 year member of Meadowbrook Country Club. Within his community, he was also very active in church. Jim loved banjo music, Irish music, and sing-a-longs, too. He loved dogs, especially Westies. The eternal optimist, he was known for saying, “Always be nice to others and they will be nice to you.” Later in life, he was blessed to find love again with Shirley, and together they enjoyed Jim’s sunset years.

With unending devotion to his family and friends, James “Jim” Aston, Jr. brought so much joy to those around him. He was outgoing and both genuine and outgoing with an easy smile that drew others near with ease. Jim had a fun-loving sense of humor, too, often saying,“There’s only two people that I trust. That’s you and that’s me, but even you I’m not too sure about.” A leader in everything he did, Jim was truly an inspiration. Deeply loved, he will never be forgotten.

Beloved Husband of Shirley and the late Rose. Loving Father of Joan (Dean) Aston Whitehead and Jan Aston-Bacon. Dearest Grandfather of Maxwell Aston Bacon, Jillian Aston Bacon, Logan Aston Whitehead, Colin Aston Whitehead and Cameron Aston Bacon. Visitation Friday 4-8 pm at Neely-Turowski Funeral Home 30200 Five Mile (between Middle Belt and Merriman). Instate Saturday 9:30AM until mass 10AM at St. Colette Catholic Church 17600 Newburgh (North of Six Mile) Interment Mt. Olivet Cemetery. Jim was an avid World Traveler and a proud Model A owner. In Lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Detroit Catholic Central High School. You may share a memory, upload a photo and sign the guestbook at www.TurowskiFuneralHome.com