James W. Ayres, 89, of Lafayette, went to be home with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Saturday, December 24, 2016 at his home. He was born December 4, 1927, in Bringhurst to the late Chester and Mary Kenrick Ayres. Jim graduated from Cutler High School in 1946 and on December 22, 1949 he married Barbara Laughlin in Lafayette and she preceded him in death on November 24, 2008. He then married Margie Kauffman on October 17, 2009 in Lafayette and she survives. Jim worked as a Parts Manager for area John Deere dealers for 30 years and retired in 1992. He was a member of F&AM 486, Scottish Rite and the Brady Lane Church of Christ. Jim enjoyed art, music, singing and played piano with the Cherry Lane Dudes and also sang with the Ambassadors. Surviving are his daughters, Debra (Michael) Pitman of Frankfort, Karen (Jeff) Reed of St. Cloud, MN, step sons, David (Rose) Kauffman of Lebanon, Bruce (Jacque) Kauffman of Frankfort, step daughter, Kelly (Bob) Hedden of Lafayette, 5 grandchildren, 9 step grandchildren, 10 great grandchildren, 15 step great grandchildren, great great granddaughter and his dog Tori. Jim was preceded in death by a son Gary Ayres and 2 brothers Joe and Max Ayres. Visitation will be from 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm on Thursday at Soller-Baker Lafayette Chapel, 400 Twyckenham Blvd. Service will be at 2:00 pm on Thursday at Soller-Baker Lafayette Chapel, Jeff Keller, J. William Overbay officiating. Interment will be at Locust Grove Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to: Brady Lane Church of Christ Building Fund in Jim’s memory.