AURORA | James “Jim” Ayers died Aug 5, 2024. He was 72.
Born Christmas Day 1951, he was a dad, a spouse, a brother, a son, an administrator; and through it all, a writer. Never one to waste a word, he could capture and summarize any moment with just the right amount of emotion and interest.
Jim’s talents were used in service of the Aurora community for decades, first as a reporter and editor for the Aurora Sentinel; and later as the Head Grant Writer for Aurora Mental Health and Recovery (then, Aurora Community Mental Health Center), securing millions of dollars in funding and ensuring Aurora’s most vulnerable had access to mental health services.
As a Sentinel journalist, Jim’s reporting and skill with the written word educated the community and, importantly, helped them to understand why they should care about what they were reading. However, what we most remember is seeing our childhood and family through his eyes, conveyed to the masses when it was relevant and relatable.
Jim was an entrepreneur. He started his own editorial services company, Criscadian, an amalgamation of the names of his children and spouse: Chris, Katy, and Annie. His company and keen eye for detail is what caught the eye of Aurora Mental Health, where he served until his retirement in 2018.
Jim was smart. He had a quick wit and keen observations of the world. We relied on him for perspective, how to approach a problem, and where to go from there. When presented with a predicament, he was ready to help find a solution and act on it. More than a problem solver, very much a do-er. Jim was the kind voice of reason when the world was too big. He was a safe refuge from the storm, reassuring you that everything was going to be OK.
As an older brother, his gentleness, wisdom, and compassion would always be counted on. He always wanted to lift up, not tear down. His smile, his laughter, and the sparkle in his eyes were beyond comforting. They were affirmation of what’s good in the world–what’s real and what’s true.
Jim is predeceased by his mother, Silvia, father, James, and his most-missed wife and partner, Annie. His memory will be carried on by his two children Katy (Curtis Arbuckle), Chris (Michelle Gebhart), his grandson and namesake, James; his siblings Judy (Frank Pansini), Kathy, and Mike (Gina); and his nieces, nephew, and great nephew.
Jim is terribly missed. As we grieve and navigate our new normal, we believe he is watching with his new, expanded perspective and know he will find a way to remind us of what’s relevant, real, and true.
Donations in Jim’s name may be directed to Aurora Mental Health and Recovery.
The family of Jim Ayers welcomes all who would like to offer condolences and share memories to his Celebration of Life: Saturday, Aug. 24 from 11a.m. -3 p.m.
Please visit https://www.ellisfamilyservices.com/obituaries/James-A-Ayers?obId=32630014 for location information.
I liked Jim. I am sure that many others did also. I hope that his next life is even better.