James M Ayers

Born to the late Albert and Cecilia Ayers (nee Batcha) at Muhlenberg Hospital in Plainfield, and raised in Dunellen, he was a graduate of Dunellen High School, class of 1964. Jim had a natural love and talent for sports, leading his high school basketball team to the State Championships. He went on to attend the University of Tampa where he received his Bachelor's Degree in Physical Education in 1974.

Mr. Ayers, better known as “Coach Ayers”, began his teaching career at St. Joseph’s Catholic School in Bound Brook, and coached freshman basketball at Immaculata High School in Somerville where he also assisted their JV and Varsity teams. Jim continued his Basketball coaching career at Bridgewater West with the late Vaughn Stapleton. In 1990 he began an over thirty year teaching career in Physical Education at Bedminster Township School, where he also coached basketball. He retired in 2019. Jim was also an IAABO Basketball referee and ASA Softball Umpire. For many years, Jim ran the Summer Basketball camp at Raritan Valley Community College. He was well respected as a Coach by all who had the privilege of being under his wing.

Jim met the love of his life, Janet Shumack forty-two years ago, and the two were married, and settled in Somerville where they have lived for more than thirty years. He was a devoted father who never missed a cheerleading competition or game that his daughter had growing up. He loved the simplicity of sitting in the backyard during the warmer months with his dogs. Most of all, Jim enjoyed the quality time spent with his family, and always looked forward to their annual trip to Wildwood Crest with his wife, daughter, son-in-law, grandchildren, and extended family every August. Jim was also a member of the Somerville Elks.

He was preceded in death by his dear brothers Albert W. Ayers Jr. and Richard K. Ayers.

Surviving are his beloved wife of 41 years Janet Ayers (nee Shumack), his loving daughter Lauren Dugan and husband Jeffrey, his adored grandchildren- Taylor Elizabeth, Haley Rose, and Jeffrey James Dugan, his dear sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, Carole and Fran McKeever and Sandra and Malcolm Williams, his niece and goddaughter Lindsay Henningsen and her husband Gary, their children Gavin James and Cole William Henningsen, as well as his other loved nephews, nieces, and great- nephews-and-nieces. Jim will be missed by all that knew him.

Donations can be made in his honor to Shelter Survivors Dog Rescue. Click Here to Donate Online