James Edward Ayris

James Edward Ayris, 71 of Manistique Mi, (formerly of St. Louis, MI) died November 17, 2012 at Masonic Pathways with his beloved wife of 47 years at his side.

Jim was born November 20, 1940 in Alma, MI to Philip and Marion Ayris. After graduating from Alma High School he joined the Air Force and served his country until 1963. In 1965 he married Roberta (Bert) Hammelman of Chicago IL and they resided in the Alma/St. Louis area for most of their 47 years together. Jim drove truck for several years before becoming owner of BJ's Antiques and Coins and Village Hardware of Breckenridge MI. Jim also worked at Soaring Eagle Casino and retired from there in 2002. Jim was also a member of the Masons and the American Legion.

Jim was an avid fisherman with a great love for the outdoors. He became interested in fishing at the tender age of 3 and he never let a day go by without fishing, teaching fishing or talking about his many great catches. He had many favorite fishing holes and many great stories of his amazing catches but by far his greatest catch was his wife Bert and he was sure to tell everyone so.

Jim is survived by his wife, Roberta (Bert) Ayris of Manistique, two daughters, Jamie (Jim) Francisco of Cape Coral Florida, JoAnn (Jeff) Girard of St. Louis MI, and his grandchildren, Alexandra Ross, Austin Ross and Taylor Francisco of Cape Coral FL, Brienna Allen, Michael Allen, Corban Allen, Peyton Allen and Gracie Girard of St. Louis MI. He is also survived by two brothers, Richard (Sam) Ayris of Davenport, FL, Ronald Ayris of Beech Grove IN and three sisters, Phyllis Carroll of Idaho, Elaine (Calvin) Smith of Sand Lake, MI, Sharon (Fred) Allen of St. Louis, MI and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, one brother, Mike Ayris , two sisters, Mildred Freeman and Patty Gross and one grandson Carl (CJ) Ross.

 Cremation has taken place and there will be a memorial service in his honor to be held at 11am, Saturday, December 8, 2012 at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in Ithaca, MI. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Parkinson's Disease Foundation, American Cancer Society or to the family.

Comments

[judy & joe durham]

We loved Jim and will miss him. We have a lot of good memories of him and Bert, Jamie & Joann.

[Karen Nemeth]

Sincerest condolences to the whole family. Mr. Ayris was a kind, caring man, that loved his family dearly. My heart aches for you all as you are trying to carry on day to day. Sending prayers for peace and strength in the days and weeks to come..

[leon and Carol White]

Carol and I will always remember Jim as the best brother-in-law anybody could ever have. We enjoyed Bert and Jim's company many times each year. Jim taught me everything I ever knew about fishing and I knew only a small fraction of what he did. Our two families are and will remain very intertwined. God speed him to his reward and we will meet again.

Love, Lee and Carol White

[Treasa Rios]

Love to all the family, and our most heartfelt sympathies to all of you. I just saw the obituarty today as I did not have internet with the move. My heart is with you all and my prayers too. I know that Jim was a special man, as I know how wonderful Jamie is. May the God of all comfort be with you all during this time of loss.
Love,
Treasa

[Cheryl (Noack) & David Travis]

My sympathy to Jim's family. I met Jim and Bert through my aunt and uncle Sue & Bill DuVall, and babysat the girls when we were all younger. May you get comfort in God's embrace and may he help you through this sad time. My prayers are with you at this time.