James D. Ayers

James D. ""J.D."" Ayers, Sr. 77 of Amarillo died Tuesday February 20, 2007 at the Thomas E. Creek VA Medical Center. Graveside services will be at 10:00 AM Tuesday at Llano Cemetery with John Elser, chaplain of the Thomas E. Creek VA Medical Center officiating. Military Honors will be by the Fort Sam Houston Honor Guard. A second memorial service will be held in Alaska at a later date. Arrangements are by Rector Funeral Home Osage Chapel, 2800 S. Osage St. Amarillo, Texas. Mr. Ayers was born Dec. 26, 1929 in Lefors to Wayland and Ruby Ayers. He was raised in McLean and Alanreed. Mr. Ayers married Louise Preston in 1947. In 1951, he married Annie Ruth Chapman. Mr. Ayers joined the Army in 1950. He served in the Korean and Vietnam Wars. His military career spanned more than 20 years. He entered the Army as a cook and advanced to other positions. He retired in 1972 at Ft. Richardson, Alaska as a Microwave Technician. After his retirement from the Army, he worked for the Alyeska Pipeline Service Co., retiring in 1991. After his retirement in 1991, he lived in Texas during the winter and in Alaska during the summer, where he enjoyed Halibut fishing and spending time with his special friends. Mr. Ayers raised registered Beagles; all 18 were very special to him and a few even traveled to Alaska with him. He was a member of the Church of Christ. Mr. Ayers was preceded in death by his wife; Ruth in 1999 He was also preceded in death by his parents, 1 sister and 2 brothers. Survivors include: his daughter; Kaye Baucom of Amarillo, 2 sons; David Ayers and Chap Ayers both of Amarillo, 3 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren and many friends and other family.