James W. Ayers, 91, of Rochester, went to his heavenly reward on July 4, 2021.  He was born in Cotton Hill Township on October 30, 1929 to Roy and Mary Lena (McKee) Ayers.  Jim married Rosemary V. Simpson on September 28, 1958. Jim graduated from Pawnee High School in 1947.  He attended Springfield College in Illinois and worked as a bookkeeper most of his life. Jim served in the US Air Force during the Korean Conflict and was stationed in Okinawa. He was preceded in death by his wife Rosemary; his son, Joe; and his brother, Roy Jr. He is survived by three children, Barb (husband, Will) O'Brien, John (wife, Wendy) Ayers, both of Rochester, and Kathy Ayers of Gillespie; a daughter-in-law, Heather Ayers; seven grandchildren, Andy (wife, Megan) Ayers, Robert (wife, Meghan) O'Brien, Eric O'Brien, Nathan Ayers, Allison (husband, Zach) Weber, Maggie and Mollie Ayers; two nieces; a nephew; and a beloved caregiver, Andrea.  Jim is also survived by one great grand-daughter, Brooklyn Ayers and was anticipating the birth of a second great grand-daughter in November. Jim's family extended well beyond those who are related by blood and many were blessed to call him "PopPop". He belonged to South Fork Church, American Legion Post 274, and VFW Post 11463.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, July 15, 2021 at Wilson Park Funeral Home 200 East Main Street, in Rochester from 4:00-7:00PM. Funeral Services will be held at 10:00AM on Friday at South Fork Church of Christ, 7898 Johnson Road, in Rochester with Pastor Mark Scott officiating. Burial will follow at Rochester Cemetery.

Memorial gifts may be made to South Fork Church or the Lincoln Land Honor Flight.