James Edward Ayers

James Edward Ayers, known fondly by his cronies as “Elmer,” age 92, and 56 year resident of Overview Gardens in New Castle, DE, passed away at his home on Monday, July 6, 2015.

Born in Evansville, IN on August 17, 1922, Elmer was the eldest of twelve children born to the late Artie James Edward and Minnie E. (Graham) Ayers. Following his service in the U.S. Navy during WWII, he left the family farm in West Virginia in search of employment. In 1950, Elmer accepted a position as an assemblyman with General Motors where he worked until his retirement in 1986, marking 36 plus years of dedicated employment.

He was a 65 year member of UAW Local #435. Elmer, whom his sister, Betty fondly refered to as Jimmy, was a plain and simple guy. He will be fondly remembered by his neighbors who will miss seeing him on his daily walks to McDonalds, Dunkin Donuts, the lab on Cherry Lane or to his doctor’s office. In addition to his parents, Elmer was preceded in death by 10 siblings. He is survived by his only living sibling, Betty Marianelli of New Castle, with whom he lived. Elmer will also be dearly missed by many generations of nieces and nephews, too numerous to name.

A funeral service will be held at 11 am on Monday morning, July 13, 2015, at the Spicer-Mullikin Funeral Home, 1000 N. DuPont Parkway, New Castle, DE, where a visitation for family and friends will be held from 10 am until 11 am. Interment will follow in Gracelawn Memorial Park, 2220 N. DuPont Parkway, New Castle, DE.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Disabled American Veterans, P.O. Box 14301, Cincinnati, OH 45250-0301.