Oakland Baptist Church sadly shares that we have lost our beloved Pastor Jim Ayers, who passed away on Wed, Nov. 27. Pastor Jim has been sharing God's word through Oakland Baptist Church for over 20 years.
Services will be on Thursday, Dec. 5 at Covenant Funeral Home in Fredericksburg from 6:00-8:00 pm.
A Celebration of Life will take place on Fri., Dec. 6 at 11:00 at Spotswood Baptist Church.
Please join us to celebrate the life of our amazing Pastor, friend, and man who has truly spoken God's word.
We here at Oakland extend our sympathies and prayers to Pastor Jim's wife Cindy Ayers and their children, and family during this time.
Obituary
"As for me and my household we will serve the Lord." Joshua 24:15
James “Jim” Lloyd Ayers, 77, born in Holidaysburg, Pennsylvania on November 26, 1947, ascended to his heavenly home on Wednesday, November 27, 2024.
Jim graduated from Holidaysburg High School in 1965 and received his Bachelor of Science degree from Susquehanna University in 1969. Following graduation, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy where he served for twenty-two years, retiring as a Lieutenant Commander. Highlights of his military career include flying worldwide missions in his P3 aircraft and serving as Mission Commander on the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower. After his service in the military, Jim embarked on a second career as a systems engineer, specializing in space exploration and satellite development. He was employed by Aerospace Corporation at the time of his death.
Jim's faithfulness to the Lord was a lifetime commitment. While in the Navy, he served in many leadership roles in churches throughout the world. He and his family moved to Spotsylvania County in 1984 where they joined Spotswood Baptist Church. For sixteen years, Jim served in a variety of capacities at Spotswood. He was an adult Sunday School teacher, Training Union director, choir member, and deacon. Jim was always available to share his faith and mentor others. In 2000, Jim was called to be the Pastor at Oakland Baptist in Richardsville, Virginia. He served there faithfully for almost twenty-five years until the Lord called him to his eternal home.
In his free time, Jim enjoyed vacationing with his family, kayaking, riding his tractor in his Stetson, and the companionship of his three dogs: Glory, Lily, and Lacy.
Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Lloyd and Lois Ayers; sister Nancy; and granddaughter Tawnee.
He is survived by his wife, Cynthia, who served by his side throughout his ministries; children Christopher (Shannon), Geoffrey, Matthew (Bobbi), and Janel; grandchildren Sierra, Nisa, Christopher, Jr., Trey, Andrew, Joshua, Makayla, Apple, Adonis, and Ziva; and great-grandchild Saraya.
The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, December 5, 2024, at Covenant Funeral Service, Fredericksburg. A Celebration of Life will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, December 6 at Spotswood Baptist Church (4009 Lafayette Boulevard in Fredericksburg) with fellowship to follow. Interment will take place at a later date in Quantico National Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to Oakland Baptist Church (22337 Halls Road, Richardsville, VA 22736) or Gideons International (The Gideons International Processing Center, P.O. Box 97251, Washington, DC 20090-7251).
"Well done, good and faithful servant." Matthew 25:23
Services will be on Thursday, Dec. 5 at Covenant Funeral Home in Fredericksburg from 6:00-8:00 pm.
A Celebration of Life will take place on Fri., Dec. 6 at 11:00 at Spotswood Baptist Church.
Please join us to celebrate the life of our amazing Pastor, friend, and man who has truly spoken God's word.
We here at Oakland extend our sympathies and prayers to Pastor Jim's wife Cindy Ayers and their children, and family during this time.
Obituary
"As for me and my household we will serve the Lord." Joshua 24:15
James “Jim” Lloyd Ayers, 77, born in Holidaysburg, Pennsylvania on November 26, 1947, ascended to his heavenly home on Wednesday, November 27, 2024.
Jim graduated from Holidaysburg High School in 1965 and received his Bachelor of Science degree from Susquehanna University in 1969. Following graduation, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy where he served for twenty-two years, retiring as a Lieutenant Commander. Highlights of his military career include flying worldwide missions in his P3 aircraft and serving as Mission Commander on the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower. After his service in the military, Jim embarked on a second career as a systems engineer, specializing in space exploration and satellite development. He was employed by Aerospace Corporation at the time of his death.
Jim's faithfulness to the Lord was a lifetime commitment. While in the Navy, he served in many leadership roles in churches throughout the world. He and his family moved to Spotsylvania County in 1984 where they joined Spotswood Baptist Church. For sixteen years, Jim served in a variety of capacities at Spotswood. He was an adult Sunday School teacher, Training Union director, choir member, and deacon. Jim was always available to share his faith and mentor others. In 2000, Jim was called to be the Pastor at Oakland Baptist in Richardsville, Virginia. He served there faithfully for almost twenty-five years until the Lord called him to his eternal home.
In his free time, Jim enjoyed vacationing with his family, kayaking, riding his tractor in his Stetson, and the companionship of his three dogs: Glory, Lily, and Lacy.
Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Lloyd and Lois Ayers; sister Nancy; and granddaughter Tawnee.
He is survived by his wife, Cynthia, who served by his side throughout his ministries; children Christopher (Shannon), Geoffrey, Matthew (Bobbi), and Janel; grandchildren Sierra, Nisa, Christopher, Jr., Trey, Andrew, Joshua, Makayla, Apple, Adonis, and Ziva; and great-grandchild Saraya.
The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, December 5, 2024, at Covenant Funeral Service, Fredericksburg. A Celebration of Life will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, December 6 at Spotswood Baptist Church (4009 Lafayette Boulevard in Fredericksburg) with fellowship to follow. Interment will take place at a later date in Quantico National Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to Oakland Baptist Church (22337 Halls Road, Richardsville, VA 22736) or Gideons International (The Gideons International Processing Center, P.O. Box 97251, Washington, DC 20090-7251).
"Well done, good and faithful servant." Matthew 25:23
Community Christmas Dinner with Santa: Come out to RVFDRS on Saturday, December 7, at 5:00 p.m. for a fun evening with Santa. Hot dogs, mac and cheese, and chips will be provided. There will be fun activities for the kids and Santa, too!
Oakland and Baptist Church Christmas Program: We will be having our Christmas Program on Sun., Dec 8 at 2:00 pm. Please contact Cindy if you would like to participate doing a play, instrument, drama. No am service on Sun., Dec. 8.
Christmas Eve Service: This year please join us on Tues., Dec. 24 Christmas Service Candlelight service at 6:00 pm.
Oakland and Baptist Church Christmas Program: We will be having our Christmas Program on Sun., Dec 8 at 2:00 pm. Please contact Cindy if you would like to participate doing a play, instrument, drama. No am service on Sun., Dec. 8.
Christmas Eve Service: This year please join us on Tues., Dec. 24 Christmas Service Candlelight service at 6:00 pm.
Communion Service First Sunday of each month
