James E. Ayers, 82, of Millbury, Ohio, passed away on March 11, 2015 at his home. He was born on June 14, 1932 in Lake Township, Ohio to Bert and Hazel (Rudolph) Ayers. Jim graduated from Lake High School and earned his BA from Bowling Green State University where he played baseball. Following military service with the U.S. Army as a sergeant in Stuttgart, Germany, he received a master's degree in business administration from Washington University in St. Louis, MO. He pursued postgraduate studies at Harvard Business School. Jim started his career at Dana Corporation in 1964 and retired in 1997 as the company's first chief financial officer. While at Dana, Jim completed the advanced management program at Harvard Business School and served as a director at Libby Owens Ford. While Jim was able to travel the world with Dana, he was defined by his devotion to his community and especially to his family. He was a lifelong member of St. Peter's United Church of Christ, Millbury, OH and served in all offices. Jim farmed until age 80 and enjoyed spending quality time with his children and grandchildren on the family farm where he shared with them his love of the outdoors. Jim modeled a Christ-like attitude of servant hood throughout his life with his love for his wife, children and grandchildren, always putting others before himself. Surviving are his loving wife of 48 years, Shirley A.; children, Jonathan A. (Robin) Ayers of Findlay, OH, Julia A. (Thomas) Crimmins of Madison, NJ and Jeremy A. (Philomena) Ayers of Lake Township, OH; grandchildren, Avery, Abigail, and Jonathan Ayers; James, Kathryn, Jordan, Margaret and Robert Crimmins; Ava, Kyler, Jace and Camden Ayers. Jim was preceded in death by his parents; and brother, Dr. Melvern Ayers. Friends and family may visit the Eggleston Meinert & Pavley Funeral Home, Millbury Chapel, 1111 Woodville Rd. (east of I-280) on Sunday, March 15, 2015 from 1-7 p.m. Funeral services will be conducted in St. Peters UCC 28505 Main St. Millbury, OH on Monday at 11 a.m. Interment will follow at Lake Township Cemetery. Those planning an expression of sympathy in Jim's name are asked to consider St. Peters United Church of Christ, Millbury.