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Ayres, James

James F. Ayres, age 93 of Clintonville passed away Saturday, September 10, 2022, at Care Partners Assisted Living, Hortonville.

James Floyd Ayres was born on March 2, 1929, in Pittsville, Wisconsin, to Floyd and Iva (Abbott) Ayres. He grew up in the Clintonville area and graduated from Clintonville High School with the Class of 1947. Jim entered the U.S. Army and served in Korea from 1946 to 1948; first with a machine gun battalion and then as a Military Police officer.

Jim was married in October of 1948 to Iris Rogers-Hirte for a short time and they were blessed with one daughter.

He was married again on June 13, 1953, to Virginia Buelow; they had two daughters and the couple shared close to 22 years together. They often enjoyed going deer and bear hunting up north. Jim and Virginia also went to numerous archery competitions where they won many trophies, pins, and ribbons.

Jim was married a third time on December 11, 1997, to a high school classmate, Beverly Samz-Bernitt in Zephyrhills, FL. They moved back to this area in 2005. His wife Beverly preceded him in death on December 25, 2012.

In his early days, Jim worked in the mill for some time at Kimberly Clark – Lakeview Plant in Menasha. Then he started as an insurance salesman, working mostly with life and health insurance with several different companies for close to 28 years, retiring in 1992.

Jim’s favorite pastime was deer hunting and going to archery tournaments; and he won numerous competitions with the bow. He was a founding member and past president of the Winnebago Archery Club. Jim was a former board member of both the Wisconsin Archery Assoc. and the Fox Valley Archers. He was also an accomplished pilot and served as President of the Twin Cities Flying Club. Jim is a current member of Trinity Lutheran Church, Waupaca; a former member of the Neenah Lions Club; and a proud member and longtime supporter of the American Legion Post 63, Clintonville.

Survivors include three daughters, Sally (Bill) Wendt of DeForest, Jamie (Mark Bendixen) Ayres of New London, and Paula Ayres of Virginia. There are two close granddaughters, April Ayres and Alissa (Josh) Dombrowski. He is further survived by a brother-in-law, John (Emily) Samz; a favorite nephew, Gary Dempze; his longtime childhood friend, Howard Quimby; and many nieces, nephews, grandchildren, great grandchildren, and friends.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents; his wives; and two sisters, Iris (Gordon) Dempze and Audrey (Don) Claassen.

Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, September 24th at 11:00 AM at Beil-Didier Funeral Home, Clintonville. Pastor Erin Coutts will officiate and inurnment will be at Graceland Cemetery, Clintonville. Military Honors will be provided at the cemetery by members of the VFW Post 664, American Legion Post 63, DAV Chapter 53, VFW Auxiliary Unit 664, and American Legion Auxiliary Unit 63, all of Clintonville. Visitation will be on Saturday from 10:00 AM until time of service at the funeral home.

Our family wishes to thank all the staff at Care Partners Assisted Living and the nurses with Compassus Hospice for the wonderful care given to Dad.

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