JAMES HARPER AYER, age 95, of Fort Myers, FL and formerly of Norwich, NY died Tuesday, May 30, 2006 at Hope Hospice, Bonita Springs, FL after a lengthy illness. Mr. Ayer was born in Virginia on Oct. 30, 1910 the son of the late Francis and Carrie Harper Ayer. He was a self employed poultry farmer and later was employed as a Case Worker for Chenango County DSS in Norwich. He was a member of the First Congregational Church of Norwich, an avid reader and enjoyed baseball. James was formerly a member of the Masonic Fraternity. He was predeceased by his wife of 53 years, Bernice Ham Ayer, his sister Mary Ellen Davison, and his daughter Eleanor Townsend.
Survivors include his son and daughter-in-law, Robert and Carol Ayer of Freeville, NY; grand children, Linda (Robert) Robitaille, Karen (Randy) Trask, Deborah (Heidi Cabral) Ayer, Ann (Philip) Smith and Edwin (April) Tucker, 5 grand children, 6 great-grand children, one great-great granddaughter, nieces, nephews, and his companion of 16 years, Mary Burroughs of Fort Myers.
Calling hours are at 10 am followed by a memorial service at 11 am Friday, June 16, 2006 at the Perkins Funeral Home, 55 West Main St., Dryden with Rev. Dale Austin officiating. A private burial for the family will be at Woodlawn Cemetery, Elmira, NY.
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