James Michael Ayers

James Michael Ayers, 72, of Marblehead, MA passed on the morning of Friday, May 29, 2026, after a short battle with cancer.

Born December 2, 1953, to Geraldine M. Ayers (McDonald) and Frederick F. Ayers in Salem, MA, Jim spent most of his life at play. His career spanned many fields; a milkman, a radio technician, a quality control technician at Parker Brothers, a medical repair technician, a driving instructor, and a wonderful father and husband. His responsibilities covered everything from controlled explosions and climbing to the top of the Prudential Center, to playing with pre-market Nerf toys. He spent his life skiing down mountains with master precision, or at sea under sail, commanding the wind as if it were his own fleet. He spent most of his life in and around Salem, with a brief stay in Hendersonville, TN.

Jim is survived by children Teddy, of Minneapolis, MN, and Brad, of Salem, their mother Kimberley, of Staten Island, NY, sister Patricia McGrattan of Brentwood, NH, and many nieces and nephews from New England to Nebraska. Jim was predeceased by both parents, brother William Ayers of Salem, and brother Michael Ayers of Martha’s Vineyard.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Mossy Earth for wildlife and coral reef restoration. https://www.mossy.earth/platform/profiles/JIMOWFBAHG

A memorial will be held at Winter Island Park function hall, 50 Winter Island Rd., Salem, on Monday, June 8. Arrive between 6:30pm and 7pm for a short celebration ending with a toast over Jim's last sunset. All who knew him are welcome to join.

For more information and online guestbook, please call Murphy Funeral Home at 978-744-0497 or visit www.MurphyFuneralHome.com.