James Ayers obit James D "Ike" Ayers peacefully passed away Saturday November 7, joining his wife of 59 years, Betty Englert Ayers, who died in 2013. Born and raised in Marion, NC, Ike joined the Navy in 1950 and retired 28 years later. He and Betty traveled the country in a 40' fifth wheel trailer for eight years before settling in Melbourne, Florida. Ike loved reading, golfing, woodworking, and meeting new friends. He is survived by his children Mike Ayers (Cindy and Rebecca), Mary Ayers (Betty Reeve), Jeanne Vinson (Walter) and Suzan Ayers (Cindy Smith); his younger sister Pat Condrey; an extensive family across the southeastern United States; and his ex-wife Bennie Bell of Merritt Island Florida. Ike will be interred at Cape Canaveral National Cemetery following a Catholic mass in the spring of 2021 on a date yet to be determined.