James Aira, 67, died February 28, 2026.

Born in Somerville to Herbert and Otilia Aira (nee Rodriguez), he was raised in Raritan where he lived all his life. He was a graduate of Bridgewater Raritan West and went on to work for the gas station by his home for many years. Jim then worked at the Courier News before spending time doing Landscaping.

The Aira family are parishioners of The Church of The Immaculate Conception in Somerville where Jim was an usher for many years.

Jim started life with a congenital illness from birth that required surgeries and hospital stays. He embodied perseverance and always did his best to return to school and worked hard at every job he had. He found joy in movies and TV shows growing up and carried that with him into adulthood. Jim’s kind heart and retro wonderment made it easy to connect to his nephews and he loved spending quality time together. Jim enjoyed going to the movies with friends, time spent with his parents, and watching retro TV, especially Star Trek.

Surviving are his loving parents, Herbert and Otilia Aira, his dear siblings, Susan Aira, Lucy Russell and husband Joseph, Nancy Aira, and Richard Aira, his cherished nephews Sean Aira-Spiess and Ethan Russell, as well as his extended family and friends.

Visitation will be held from 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM on Friday, March 6, 2026, at Cusick Funeral Home, 80 Mountain Avenue, Somerville. Funeral Service will begin at 11:30 AM.

Entombment will follow at St. Bernard Cemetery Mausoleum, Bridgewater.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in his memory, as it was his hope that future children have a better start to life, can be made to : March of Dimes Donate Online, Shriners Donate Online, and St. Jude Donate Online.