WHITAKERS - James "Jim" Maurice Ayers, age 78, passed away on Thursday, June 6, 2019. Born in Nash County on February 11, 1941, he was the son of the late James Haskey Ayers and Daisey Ruth Newell. He was also preceded in death by his brothers, Ron Ayers and Malcom Bunn "Mike" Ayers; and sisters, Lettie Ruth Snead and Marie Evans.

He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Diane Jordan Ayers; and daughter, Pamela Ayers Flanagan and husband, Timothy; four grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; brother, Fred Ayers and wife, Susan; sister, Connie Hicks and husband, Robert; brothers-in-law, Bob Snead and Cudearl Evans; sisters-in-law, Ann Ayers and Rita Ayers; and many nieces and nephews.

Services were held Sunday, June 9, 2019 at 2:30 p.m. in the Chapel of Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home & Cremation Services with Pastor Alan Williams officiating. Burial followed the service at Rocky Mount Memorial Park.