Judson Dow Ashley, the son of Judson and Doris (Dow) Ashley, was born on September 27, 1948, in Ogdensburg, New York. He passed away on Tuesday, January l6, 2024, at Nebraska Medicine, Omaha, Nebraska, at the age of 75 years, 3 months and 20 days.
Judd, as a young boy, was raised in Ogdensburg on the banks of the Oswegatchie River in upstate New York. He enjoyed a number of activities, such as swimming, weightlifting, water skiing, snow skiing, hockey, baseball, hunting, fishing, and camping.
Judson graduated from Ogdensburg Free Academy in 1966. As a senior, Judd was awarded the Best Back in football and Best Wrestler in his conference. In 1966, he was also the New York State Wrestling Champion, at 135 lbs. with a record of 41-0. Judd attended Yankton College in Yankton, South Dakota, on a Wrestling Scholarship, and was on the Dean's list 6 out of 8 semesters. In 1970, Judd graduated with bachelor's degrees in science, health and physical education. Judd and his wife, Linda Edwards, were married on August 18, 1969. He would often say, "Linda is the best thing that ever happened to me." He received his master's degree in 1982, and his specialist degree in l985, from the University of Nebraska at Omaha.
From 1970 to 1973, Judd taught science, and coached girls and boys track, and girls and boys basketball at the Junior High School, Seymour, Iowa. He was also a bus driver for certain activities. From 1974 until 1978, he taught Life Science and Physical Science and coached football, wrestling and track at Lewis Central Junior High in Council Bluffs, Iowa. From 1978 until 1987, he was the K-8 Principal at Albion Community School, Albion, Nebraska.
In 1987, Judd was hired as superintendent for the Stanton Community School District and served in that position for 25 years. He always saw the good in students and held them accountable for doing the right thing. Judd was an educator for 42 years as teacher, coach, principal, and superintendent.
Under Judd's leadership as superintendent at Stanton, some of his more significant achievements were: 1. He was on the original committee that started the Stanton Child Resource Center. 2. He led the district in building a new elementary school. 3. Purchased new technology, such as laptop computers, smart boards and computers to support technology base curriculum. 4. Negotiated 25 teacher's master contracts successfully. 5. Increased Stanton's open enrollment to more than 100 students into the district. 6. Increased a strong fiscal budget.
Judd was a member of the State Education Association, National Education Association, and Area Education Agency that included all of Southwest Iowa School Board Association. He led a committee of 20 superintendents who were assigned the task of aligning technology-based curriculum with current curriculum objectives in the following subject areas: Reading, English, Social Studies, Science, Math, and Spanish. Judd was also a member the Lion's Club, Stanton Chamber of Commerce, and Mamrelund Lutheran Church, where he taught confirmation class for several years. Judd loved spending time with his family and made many memories with family vacations. In 2016, he moved to Accura Healthcare of Stanton, due to ill health. Judd was able to visit home to enjoy his wife's wonderful cooking, his family and grandkids. Judd was a man of honesty, character, and integrity. He applied and integrated these traits into his teaching and coaching of students. Upon retirement in 2012, he always wished he was in better health to enjoy Andee and Oden's activities.
Judd was preceded in death by his parents; sisters and their husbands; Linda (Danny) Wells and Cindy (Mike) Mitchell.
Judd is survived by his wife, Linda Ashley of Stanton, IA; children: Judson Ashley II of Albion, NE,  Amber (Dustin) Sellers of Stanton, IA and Jacob (Alexandria) Ashley of Stanton, IA; two grandchildren: Andee Jo Ashley and Oden Joseph Ashley; many nieces and nephews, other relatives and friends.
May God bless his memory and give strength to those who mourn.

Celebration of Life Service will be held.
Wednesday, January 24, 2024, at 2:00 p.m.
At Mamrelund Lutheran Church, Stanton, IA

Visitation with the family will be Tuesday, January 23, 2024, at Mamrelund Lutheran Church from 5:00 - 7:00 p.m.

Family requests memorials in lieu of flowers to the Stanton Child Resource Center and Stanton Community School.

Sellergren-Lindell-DeMarce Funeral Home is in charge of Judd's arrangements and serving his family.