James W. Asher, M.D. 89, died peacefully in his sleep on Monday, May 14 at Delmar Garden Nursing Center in Chesterfield, MO. He was the loving husband of Anamae Asher (nee Sinclair); dear father of Jane Weckl (Richard) of Chesterfield, MO and the late Bob Asher; grandfather of Angela D. Sandler (Andy); dear brother-in-law, cousin and a friend to many. He was the son of the late Ernest and Mable (nee Newton) Asher. Dr. Asher was a life long resident of New Augusta, IN until Oct. of 2006, when he and his wife moved to Chesterfield, MO to be close to their family. He graduated from New Augusta High School (Pike Township) and did his undergraduate work at Purdue and received his B.S. degree from Indiana University and his medical degree from Indiana University School of Medicine in 1942. He loved his medical practice and worked side by side with his father Ernest Asher, M.D. for over 20 years, they were known throughout the community as “Old Doc” and “Dr. Jim”. After 53 years of practicing medicine he retired in Dec. 1997. Not one to sit still for long, he continued to work in medicine by volunteering at a number of Indianapolis Clinics for the homeless, through the group Volunteers in Medicine. He was still enjoying his volunteer work until October 2006 when illness curtailed his involvement. Dr. Asher was a Diplomat and Charter member of the American Academy of Family Practice, the American Medical Assn., the Indiana Medical Society, AOA of Indiana University, an honorary medical society and Alpha Epsilon Phi at Purdue University. Dr. Asher was a wonderful family man. He and his wife, Anamae, were married 64 years and she worked in the office with him for 36 years. Their son Bob died in 1972 from injuries sustained in an accident. He was an active participant of the interests of both of his children and gave many hours of service and loving support to the local 4-H clubs, Little League, Boy and Girl Scout troops and the Indiana Angus Assn. He made many trips to St. Louis to visit his family and his granddaughter Angela held a special place in his heart. He always had a close relationship with his daughter and her husband and they spent many recent days watching the birds and turtles at the nursing center together. Dr. Asher was a true outdoorsman and loved to fish. He was an avid fly fisherman and enjoyed fishing trips with a number of friends. He also enjoyed tying his own flies and taught the basics of fly tying to many small groups and was a charter member of the Indianapolis Flycasters Assoc. He was a firm believer in “Catch and Release” program and made yearly trips to Alaska and Michigan to fish. Another favorite activity was gardening. He always planted a huge garden and then shared his produce with many family, friends and patients. He took great delight in sharing his garden space with many friends and family members as he felt that it provided not only fresh vegetables but a wonderful form of relaxation therapy and exercise. He had planted a small tomato and lettuce patch at the nursing center and was enjoying watching this year’s garden take shape. Dr. Asher had a Christmas tree farm located in Brown County, IN where he raised trees for sale as well as donated many large trees to area churches and nursing homes. He also donated many trees to area Boy and Girl Scout troops for their use in fund raising activities. Dr. Asher was a true friend. Once he made a friend, that person was a forever friend. He was a quiet, well liked, hard working man who made this world a better place to be. Donations may be made to The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis, 3000 Meridian Street, Indianapolis, IN 46208-4716, (317) 334-3322. He will be interred at Old Pleasant Hill Cemetery on Moore Rd., Indianapolis, IN later in the summer.