James Ayers

It is with great sadness that the family of James N. “Jimmy Jack” Ayers announce his passing on May 24, 2025, at the age of 92 years.

His daughter Lorrie was his caretaker for the last several years, and then James moved to Florida in 2024 to live with his daughter and son-in-law, at which time his daughter became his full-time caretaker until his passing.

James was born on February 28, 1933, in Murray City, Ohio, son of Charles Herbert Ayers and Violet L. (Mitchell) Ayers.

James married the love of his life, Lillian Jean, in 1958, and together they raised two children and shared 50 years of marriage. She preceded him in death on February 28, 2008, and passed on his 75th Birthday. He was also predeceased by his parents, Herbert and Violet Ayers, In-Laws James and Dora (Jeffreys) Mills, brother Charles R. Ayers, Brothers-in-law James Mills and Jacob Mullett, Sisters in law Charlotte Morgan and Donna Brock and nephew Billy Mullett.

James served in the United States Air Force from 1951-1953 and with Reserve time served a total of 7 years, 7 months, and 3 days. He was an Airman 2nd Class, Electrical Runway Technician, and was assigned to the Atomic Research Division in the Korean War. He was stationed in Enewetak Atoll and Kwajalein Atoll in the Marshall Islands. He was very proud to have served his country.

James served as a Coshocton County Auxiliary Sheriff’s Deputy for many years under William Hoop and Dave Corbett.

He previously worked at General Electric in Coshocton; then retired in 1995 after 30 years of service with American Electric Power.

James was a life member of VFW #1330, Amvets #36, and the American Legion #65. He was also a Life member of the Masonic Lodge with a service time of 50 plus years to the Masonic Brotherhood, which he was extremely proud to be a member of.

James was also Vice President of the Coshocton County Veterans Council for 10 years, and a member of the Coshocton County Veterans Honor Guard with over 750 military funerals attended.

James is survived by his son David J. ( Bonisha) Ayers, a daughter, Lorrie (Ayers) McGraw-Hardesty (Joe), a sister June Diane Mullett, grandsons, Ryan McGraw, Cody (Nicole) McGraw, Arliss, Louis, and Isaac Ayers, two granddaughters Jamie (Brian) Lowe and Presley Ayers, Six great-grandchildren, JoDae, Lilly, Deja, Dominic, Levi, and Cooper, Step grandson, Clayton, nephew Mark ( Denise) Mullett and nieces Cheryl Decker, Vickie Herdman and many other nieces and nephews and cousins.

In his younger days, he especially enjoyed spending time with his 2 oldest grandsons, Ryan and Cody, taking them fishing and golfing. He attended every football or basketball game they both played from youth to high school and in their college years as well. They were his pride and joy. He loved football season and never missed an Ohio State or Browns game then afterwards enjoyed discussing the plays of the game. He also loved the game of softball and played on a league for AEP Conesville for many years with his friends and coworkers.

His 2 granddaughters Jamie and Presley did not live locally, but they spent their childhood summers and holidays in Coshocton visiting with their grandparents. He was known to his grandchildren as Pepaw and was so proud of all of them.

A private family Graveside service with Military Honors will take place.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Coshocton County Veterans Council or Operation Veterans Helping Veterans; at 318 Main St. Coshocton, Ohio 43812.

To Matt Miller and Miller Funeral Home…thank you for your time, effort, and compassion throughout this difficult time. We are thankful for your guidance, professionalism, and exceptional care you gave to my father, and myself. Your patience and understanding brought such comfort, and we appreciate all you did for our family. Special thanks for your kindness and the dignity you showed in bringing my dad home.