Jimmie Lou (Jim) Asker

Published 8:16 am Thursday, February 28, 2019

February 26, 1931 – February 18, 2019

Jim Asker, former Boys Club Director died at 87. Jimmie Lou (Jim) Asker of Bend, Oregon; loving husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, passed away peacefully on February 18, 2019, after a brief illness.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Ann Asker; and sister, Carla. Jim was born in Lewiston, Idaho, on February 26, 1931, and spent most of his early years in northern Idaho.

After graduating from Cottonwood High School, where he was nicknamed the Prairie Phantom, Jim spent two years studying at the University of Idaho. He left college to serve in the U.S. Army during the Korean conflict. Upon returning to Idaho, he entered the field of law enforcement and graduated from the FBI Academy at the age of 26. At 29, he began a long and successful career with the Boys Club of America. It was the Boys Club that brought Jim and his family to Santa Rosa, California, in 1967. As Executive Director, he impacted the lives of thousands of youth in Idaho and California.

To those who belonged to the Boys Club, he will always be remembered as ‘Jim, best friend and father figure’. His most notable career achievements include Summer Camps, Teen Canteen Nights, Shamus O’ Grady Golf Tournaments, and his promotion to Regional Director and Field Staff Representative in Washington D.C. Jim retired in 1995, and relocated to Bend, Oregon, with his wife, Cindy. Together they enjoyed country dancing, jazz music, their dogs, Gigi and Molly, and road trips to California, Washington and Idaho to visit family.

Jim is survived by his loving wife of 33 years, Cindy Asker; his sons, Dave (Sharon), Ron (Jill), Doug (Tabatha); daughter, Charmaine (Jere) Starks; and stepson, Mike Adams. Proud grandfather to Bobby and Susie Starks; Tosha, Doug (Brandi), and Kelly Ann Asker; Tyler and Courtney Asker and Alicia (Gary) Miller; and step-grandfather, to Alyssa and Brice Adams. Great-grandfather of eight. He is also survived by his brother, Gary (Mary) Asker; and sister, Tamara Holt.

Internment and a memorial celebration will be held in Cottonwood, Idaho, in the spring. Arrangements are being handled by Baird Funeral Home.