James Ayre

James William Ayre, 79, of Louisville, KY, passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by loving family on October 1, 2024. He was born on December 1, 1944, to the late Robert Eugene Ayre, Sr. and Nancy Elizabeth Ayre. Jim graduated from Louisville’s Seneca High School in 1962, and attended the University of Louisville J.B. Speed Scientific School where he became a mechanical engineer. He had a life-long career at the Louisville Naval Ordnance Station, where he formed many wonderful friendships, before retiring. Jim also served his nation in the Army National Guard, earning several service medals for his time in Vietnam from 1968-1969. He was a lifelong member of the Community of Christ Church, where his faith called him into the priesthood as an ordained deacon, and later a priest. Jim devoted his time and talents toward his faith in God through service to the church and forming loyal & loving relationships throughout his life.

Jim is preceded in death by his parents, Robert Eugene Ayre, Sr. and Nancy Elizabeth Ayre; and sister-in-law, Evelyn Ayre.

Jim is survived by his loving wife and forever love of 54 years, Linda Ayre; children, Mike Ayre (Kristie) and Sandy Coke (James); grandchildren, Jack, Abby, Sophie, Max, Tessa, and Alex; brother, Bob Ayre, Jr; niece, Robin Stacy (Guy); great nephew & niece, Sean Stacy and Christina Stacy.

The Ayre family would like to extend a special thank you to Jim’s life-giving caregivers, Caroline and her “Angels”.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Hosparus of Louisville, 6200 Dutchmans Lane, Louisville, KY 40205, https://hosparushealth.org/donate/ or the Kentucky Humane Society, 1000 Lyndon Lane Suite B, Louisville, KY 40222, https://www.kyhumane.org/donate/.

Memorial visitation will be held Saturday, October 12, 2024 from 1:00pm-3:00pm, at Forest Hills Community of Christ Church, 2401 Merriwood Dr. Louisville, KY, 40299. A celebration of life will immediately follow.