James "Jay" Edgar Ayres, 72, of Boones Mill, formerly of Rockbridge County, was taken home to be with our Lord on Sunday, June 18, 2006 from Roanoke Memorial Hospital.

Mr. Ayers was an associate member of the Effinger Volunteer Fire Department and lifetime member of the Oxford Presbyterian Church.

He is survived by his long time friend and companion, Ruth Long and her children and grandchildren; two sisters: Maxine Ayers Thompson of Churchville; Geraldine Ayers Dudley of Roanoke; numerous nieces and nephews; and new found friend, Buck Oyler and his family.

Funeral Services will be held in the Buchanan Chapel of Botetourt Funeral Home on Wednesday, June 21, 2006 at 3 p.m. Interment will follow in Rapps Mill Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Rapps Mill Church, c/o Patsy Landes, 4096 S. Buffalo Road, Lexington, VA 24450. The family will receive friends on Wednesday prior to the service from 2 to 3 p.m. at Botetourt Funeral Home, Buchanan (254-3000).