Jimmy Travis Ayers III

The family of Jimmy Travis Ayers III, 34, is devastated in the wake of his tragic and untimely death on June 19, 2019. Jimmy was a true friend, a loving family man, and a devoted father and husband. Even as a child, he brought love and liveliness to every room he entered. He brought the same energy into his family life. He was a fantastic dad, a big kid himself sometimes, who coached his son’s baseball team and encouraged not only his kids, but the other teams as well. He loved to laugh, and could make anyone forget their sorrows for the moment. He passed on his zest for life and easy smile to each of his boys. For 11 years, he and his wife, Patricia, loved as hard as two people ever could, enduring life’s ups and downs with love and commitment. They loved their children and each other deeply, and could always find extra love for a friend or family member in need. No life is without trial, but Jimmy brought devotion and compassion to every challenge. He could find a way to connect with almost everyone, and was never short of friends, remembering the names and stories of even those he had met only once. He was an active guy, a competitor by nature, and an avid sports fan. He bled maize and blue, and rarely missed a game. He worked hard, took pride in his profession, and loved a challenge. In a world so often filled with darkness, Jimmy allowed the light of Christ’s love to flow through him. He made real the admonition to “love thy neighbor as thyself.”

Jimmy is preceded in death by his father, Jimmy Travis Ayers Jr.; father-in-law, James Raymond Dean; and his beloved dog, Nike.

Jimmy is survived by his wife, Patricia Ayers; three young sons: Jimmy IV, Hudson, and Brycen; mother Tracy Kimball; brother, Josh Ayers; sister, Samantha Harris; nieces, nephews, and many beloved extended family and friends. He will be greatly missed. Thank you, Jimmy, for all of the joy, love, and laughter you brought to our lives.

All are welcome to attend a service celebrating Jimmy’s life at Covell Funeral Home, 312 Pine Street in Elk Rapids on Monday, July 1st beginning at 1:00.