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Former Anchorage and Wasilla resident James D. "Jim" Ayers Sr., 77, died
Feb. 20, 2007, in Amarillo, Texas, after a brief illness.
A graveside and memorial services were Feb. 27 in Amarillo. Services
were officiated by Veterans Administration Chaplain John Esler. A second
memorial service in Alaska will be announced later.
Mr. Ayers was born Dec. 26, 1929, in Lefors, Texas, to Wayland and Ruby
Ayers. He was raised in McLean and Allenreed, Texas. Mr. Ayers married
Louise Preston in 1947. In 1951, he married Annie Ruth Chapman.
He joined the U.S. Army in 1950 and served in the Korean and Vietnam
wars. His military career spanned more than 20 years with his retirement
in 1972 at Fort Richardson.
Jim first came to Alaska in 1955 while in the military and was stationed
at Fort Richardson. After military retirement, he went to work for RCA
Alascom, ITT Arctic Services and Alyeska Pipeline Service Co. until his
retirement in 1991.
After retirement, he lived in Texas during the winter and summered in
Alaska, where he enjoyed halibut fishing and visiting with his special
friends. Mr. Ayers raised registered Beagles; all 18 were very special
to him, and a few even traveled to Alaska with him. He was a member of
the Church of Christ.
While in Texas, he yearned to be in Alaska with his former co-workers
and special friends, and despite the distance, he remained in close
contact with them.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Ruth, in 1999; his sister; and two
brothers.
Survivors include his daughter, Kaye Baucom; and two sons, David and
Chap Ayers, all of Amarillo; three grandchildren and three
great-grandchildren; and many special friends and family members.
Because Jim was an animal lover, memorial donations may be sent to any
wildlife or animal rescue organization.
Friends who would like to send condolences may mail them to 4400 Highway
136, Amarillo, TX 79108 or e-mail to kayetera@clearwire.net
Published in the Anchorage Daily News on 3/11/2007.
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