James Luther Ayres, born August 20, 1951, in Harford County, Maryland, to the late Gladyson I. Ayres and Sarah V. Ayres (nee Bush), passed away on September 18, 2026, in Delta, Pennsylvania.

He was the beloved husband of Rachel Barton Ayres, whom he married on December 30, 1972. James was a 1969 graduate of Bel Air High School.

He was the devoted father of Julie A. Miller; grandfather of Hailey Miller, Zachary Miller, and Matson Miller; and great-grandfather of Laney Mae Barbour and Frankie Wylder Barbour. He is also survived by his brother, John B. Ayres. He was preceded in death by his sister, Gladys Jeanne Holmes.

The family will receive friends on Saturday, September 26, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. at Highland Presbyterian Church, 701 Highland Road, Street, Maryland 21154. A funeral service will begin at 11:00 a.m., with Reverend Raymond R. Meute officiating. Interment will immediately follow in Highland Presbyterian Church Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made in James' name to the Highland Presbyterian Church Memorial Fund.

Wagner-Elfner and Harkins Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Inc., 600 Main Street, Delta, Pennsylvania 17314, is honored to be assisting the family with arrangements.