James E. Asker ’51

James E. Asker ’51, who lived in Walnut Creek, California, died on February 21. He is survived by his wife, Stephanie, and their blended family of four children, nine grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren. Jim came to Dartmouth from Evanston, Illinois. As an undergraduate he was a member of Kappa Kappa Kappa, the Marching Band, and the Dartmouth Players. One of Jim’s great joys was woodworking. In mid-career he made the bold decision to leave the corporate world and devote himself to his first love, becoming a full-time woodworker. He had a shop in New York City and, before long, became widely sought after as a designer of interiors and creator of custom-designed furniture. Among his customers were many celebrities. In retirement Jim supervised the woodshop in his California senior living community and spent many happy hours there. His neighbors and friends marveled at his skills, as well as his kindness, warmth, and caring. A recurring theme as they summed up their feelings toward him: “He was the nicest man I’ve ever met!” Jim and Stephanie traveled widely and enjoyed golf, bridge, their community, and their church in nearby Orinda, where they were active members.