James “Wayne” Ashby, Jr., 74, of Foster, WV, lost his long and courageous fight with leukemia in the early morning hours of February 23, 2026 at his home. He was born June 22, 1951.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Jim and Sue Ann Ashby and several aunts and uncles.

Wayne spent 38 years in the mining industry. He was a member of Local Union 633 and a retired coal mine inspector for the State of West Virginia. He devoted many years to Mine Rescue. He served as a team member, trainer and was the captain of the state mine rescue team. He managed and coached several years in the Madison Little League baseball organization as well as being instrumental in beginning the ASA Girls’ Softball League in this area. He was proud of the impact it had on girls’ softball later in our schools. Wayne loved being outdoors, hunting, fishing, woodworking, being with family, and wrestling with his great grandchildren.

He is survived by his wife, Debbie Ferrell Ashby of Foster, his son, Jay of Foster and his daughter and son-in-law, Kim and Chad Gillispie of Julian; grandsons Brandon(Courtney) Lowery of Hopewell, VA, Zach (Cass) of Julian, and Kade (Alexandria) of Hopewell VA. He was also blessed with three great grandchildren Tatum Brooke and Sawyer Wayne Gillispie of Julian, WV and Theodore James Ashby of Hopewell, VA. He is also survived by his aunt, Mary Lou Pauley of Foster, his sister, Kathy of Foster, his brother, Don (Hella) of Foster and Walt of Anthony, WV; as well as too many friends and family to name.

Services will be held 11:00 a.m., Friday, February 27, 2026 at Handley Funeral Home in Danville, WV, with Dana Ferrell and Leonard Bolton officiating. Visitation will be held Thursday evening, from 6:00-8:00 p.m. at the funeral home. Burial will follow in Ashby Cemetery, Foster, WV.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Rosenbaum Family House, 30 Family House Drive, Morgantown WV 26505 so that other families can find the love and support one needs when away from home.