Jehu (Jud) Deloys Ashmore

Jehu D. "Jud" Ashmore, beloved Texas radio and television meteorologist, World War II Navy veteran, and adventurer whose warmth and humor touched generations of viewers and listeners, passed away peacefully in his sleep in his home in Bandera, Texas on December 31, 2025, at the age of 101.

Born on April 11, 1924, in Oakford, Illinois, Jud grew up on a family farm where, at age 5, he fell in love with radio—his lifelong "friend." Life's early challenges, including the loss of his mother during high school and his father's extended absence while he was off building the Alaskan Highway, fostered his independent spirit. As a teenager, he embarked on cross-country adventures, hitching rides on trains and even kayaking parts of the Lewis and Clark route.

With the onset of World War II, Jud served courageously in the U.S. Navy aboard Landing Craft Infantry LCI-476 in the Pacific theater. A trained underwater diver, he volunteered for daring tasks, including freeing a fouled anchor amid shark-infested waters off Tarawa—facing fears head-on, as he always did. His wartime experiences deepened his appreciation for radio as a source of connection and entertainment.

After the war, Jud pursued meteorology in college, thanks in part to the GI Bill, and joined the U.S. Air Force as a meteorologist. He served during the Korean War and, as a key member of the Strategic Air Command, provided critical weather support for U.S. nuclear forces during the tense days of the Cuban Missile Crisis and in the immediate aftermath of President John F. Kennedy’s assassination—a period that coincided with the birth of his daughter Dottie just eleven days earlier. He retired from the Air Force in 1968 as a Lieutenant Colonel. Just days later, he launched his legendary broadcasting career in San Antonio, becoming a beloved weatherman at KSAT-12 and later chief meteorologist at KENS-TV, where he was known for entertaining forecasts, quirky highlights like the temperature in far-off Muleshoe, Texas, and his signature sign-off: "Hug someone, it'll make you feel good!"

Radio was Jud's true passion—a "dream come true." He teamed with legends like Ricci Ware and Paul Allen English on stations including KITE, KBUC (where he and Ware "cornered the market on B.S. and romance"), and powerhouse WOAI, delivering weather until 2002. He later worked at KRNH in Kerrville before retiring in 2012. He was a member of the Society of San Antonio Broadcasters and was inducted in 2024 to the Texas Radio Hall of Fame. Jud also authored the book Texas Weather and was hailed by fans as the all-time favorite Texas meteorologist. His favorite hobby was hiking, which included multiple hikes down into the Grand Canyon up to the age of 75.

A man of faith, adventure, and gratitude, Jud often credited his successes to American taxpayers who supported his education and to the Creator whose hand he saw in science and life. He prayed nightly, upheld faith alongside his scientific pursuits, and lived with enthusiasm, volunteering for every opportunity to learn, help, and connect.

Jud is survived by his loving wife Peggy; children Jean (John), Wayne (Karen), and Robin (Max); grandchildren Morgan (Casey), Justine (Leo), Bryce, Hallie Brie, Sarah, John (Brittney), William, Brandon, Kendall (Brandon), and Tanner (Katelyn); eleven great-grandchildren; Daughter-in-law Michele Ashmore and numerous nieces, nephews, and countless friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Jehu and Bertha Schnell Ashmore; his sisters Doris Lounsberry and Elizabeth Lounsberry; his first wife Barbara Lou Ashmore (mother of Jamie, Jean, and Dottie); his son Jamie; and his daughter Dottie.

Visitation will be from 5pm-7pm on January 13, 2026, at Bandera Funeral Chapel. Graveside services will be held at 11am on January 14, 2026, at Pipe Creek Cemetery with Reverend Ellen Ely officiating.

Pallbearers will be John B. King, John H. King, William King, Justine Ashmore-Solis, Hallie Brie Ashmore, and Tanner Gooding.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Frontier Times Museum, where he was inducted into the Texas Heroes Hall of Fame in 2014; Peterson Hospice, who provided loving care in his final days; and Bandera Natural History and Art Museum or the charity of your choice in Jud’s memory. Services will be announced by the family.

Jud Ashmore didn’t just forecast the weather—he made Texas feel a little warmer.

Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Bandera Funeral Chapel.