Mr. James Fred Absher, better known as Fred, age 77, of West Jefferson passed away Sunday morning, January 1, 2012 at his home. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, January 4, 2012 at 11:00am at Boone Family Funeral Chapel with Rev. Keith Casey and Rev. Billy Joe Blevins officiating. Burial will follow in Ashelawn Memorial Gardens with military rites. Mr. Absher was born in Ashe County on Saturday June 30, 1934 to the late Don and Dora Blackburn Absher. He served in the United States Army and was a member at Mt. Jefferson Baptist Church. For most of his working life he works as the Parts Manager and drove the wrecker for Northwestern Dodge. After the closing of the dealership he worked at Max Hurley's Auto Parts. He retired and found he didn't like not having anything to do, so he went to drive the school bus. He drove for West Jefferson Elementary School and Westwood Elementary School, where he was presently driving. He truly enjoyed his kids. Fred was always a hard worker and an active person. He served as captain of the Ashe County Rescue Squad for four years and served 20 years for the West Jefferson Fire Department. He was an active member of the democrat committee and served as Ashe County Commissioner for two terms. He was a member of the Ashe County Masonic Lodge #594. He was a loving husband, father and grandfather. He will be missed by all. He is survived by his wife, Sue Phillips Absher, of 32 years of marriage; a son, Terry Lee Absher and wife, Lisa of West Jefferson; two daughters, Sarah Absher Blevins, and husband, Joe Mike, of Crumpler and Linda Absher Holman and husband, Greg, of Jefferson; a sister, Bernice Lewis and husband, Jack, of West Jefferson; four grandchildren. Laura Absher, Brandon Blevins, Lyndsi Holman, and Ryan Blevins; several nieces and nephews also survive. The family requests no food please! In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to: Masonic Home for Children at Oxford, 600 College Street, Oxford, NC 27565