Jeffrey Wallace Ashburn

November 13, 1959 - February 28, 2025

Obituary For Jeffrey Wallace Ashburn

Jeffrey Wallace Ashburn, age 65, of Cary, NC, passed away February 28, 2025 after a long and courageous battle with illness.

Jeff is survived by his wife of (34) years Julee Ashburn (nee Modlish) and is also survived by daughter Heather and son Alexander; brothers Willard Jr (Bill) and sister (Elizabeth) and his mother, Patricia. He was preceded in death by his father Willard Sr and brother Gregory Ashburn.

‍Jeff was born in (New Orleans) and raised in Virginia Beach, Va; attended high school at the Blue Ridge School, Virginia and Rollins College in Winter Park, Florida. He attended the US Air Force Officers Training School and was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant and attended and graduated from USAF Undergraduate Pilot Training at Reece Air Force Base in Lubbock, Texas in 1984. He then qualified in the KC-135 airframe and served as a pilot at the 305th Air Refueling Squadron, Grissom AFB, IN and later served as a Instructor in the United States Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, CO, teaching cadets basic flight orientation. In 1991, Jeff left the Air Force to become a commercial airline pilot with American Airlines, flying the DC-10, B-757, B-767 and the B-777, amassing 34 years of service to the airline, living in Cary, NC and flying out of New York City. He enjoyed playing tennis, bicycle riding and was a volunteer for the reading service for the visually disabled.

‍Jeff’s fellow pilots remember a very good pilot who made every trip a pleasure; his family and friends remember him for his warm, friendly and always-polite personality and he truly never met someone who didn’t like him. He leaves many family members and friends who will miss him.

‍A graveside service for friends and family will be held at Raleigh Memorial Park Cemetery, March 14, 2025 at 3pm. A reception will follow at Angus Barn.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a donation made in memory of Jeffrey Ashburn to the Alzheimer’s Association.

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Condolences

March 28, 2025

The Williams Family

To the Ashburn Family, You have our sincere condolences. May God comfort you and give you peace. DeWayne, Regina, Marcus and Brian Williams
March 25, 2025

Elaine Kennedy

Dear Jeff, Well now I know why you stopped posting or never answered my "Check-in, please" messages. You were too busy fighting a horrible disease that would take you away from us far too soon to quip back with one of your witty dad jokes, and I am devastated by the news of your passing. It was always a pleasure, a joy really, to see your name on one of our trips, because you were one of American's finest - the quintessential gentleman who cherished his beautiful family (Yes, he showed us lots of photos!) and was always kind to his crews and passengers. I'm sorry I never got to fly with you after you made Captain when I transferred out west. But from late night cockpit chats to toasts in the pub or coffee in BA, and my envy of your Tudor City studio so conveniently close to the Carey Bus, it was an honor to fly with you those many years. In one of our last exchanges, when I wrote to tell you I chose to retire, you divulged you weren't well without worrying me with why and said, "Nothing big, but... It WAS all kinds of fun while it lasted though... wasn't it?" Indeed, it was. As above, so below, and united by wings. You will forever be missed. Fly high, my friend. To Julee and family, my sincere condolences. May you always be blessed by joyful memories. ~ Elaine Kennedy
March 14, 2025

Tom and Pat Baker

We are so sorry to hear of Jeff''s passing. We remember the gatherings at his lovely home where all the boys gathered during Alex's high school days and watching football at Green Hope High School. He was gracious , welcoming and very witty. Our thought and prayers are with the Ashburn family. Tom and Pat Baker, Cary NC
March 13, 2025

Janet

The best Brother-in-law someone could have. Jeff was kind and so hospitable. He adored and loved my sister through sickness and health. I will always remember him for his love of technology, the newest coffee fad and his dedication to his family. I believe you are now flying with loved ones in beautiful skies.🩷
March 11, 2025

Jill W

Jeff was always first in hospitality and care for his friends (and even strangers), whether it was a gathering at his home or "hosting" a boat full of people on the Jungle Cruise at Disneyworld. He was always "boots on the ground" in the face of miscellaneous moves and natural disasters--wielding a chainsaw after Hurricane Fran, and the first one from the Cary area to help my son and his family when a tree fell on their house. He was truly an old-south gentleman and a good friend. We will miss this lovely man, and trust that he rests in the arms of Jesus now.