John Ayers
August 04, 2015
John Ayers was born on September 22, 1939, to Lowell and Kathryn (Peterson) Ayers. He grew up in Waterloo, Iowa with his siblings, Jo, Dave, Jim and Joan. He died on August 4, 2015 at Edgewater Retirement Community.
Visitation will be held at Hamilton’s on Westown Parkway, 3601 Westown Parkway, West Des Moines on Thursday, August 13, 2015 from 2:30 pm to 4:30 pm. This will be followed immediately by a Vigil Service at 5:00 pm. The Memorial Mass will be held at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, 7075 Ashworth Road, West Des Moines on Friday, August 14, 2015 at 11:0 0am.
John was a professor, a lawyer, a judge, an ordained Catholic deacon, an A-league player in tennis, racquetball and handball, a member of countless councils and boards, teller of lousy jokes and the ultimate enjoyer of the finer things in life.
John was preceded in death by his parents; siblings, Jo, Dave and Jim; son, John, Jr.; and infant daughter, Susan. He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Cathie (Agey); a son, Michael K. Ayers; three granddaughters, Mackenzie, Isabella and Samantha. Survivors also include his sister, Joan, and her partner, Diane; sisters-in-law, Maggie, Bev, Sandy, Marilyn and Janelle; brother-in-law, Phil; and many relatives and friends.
In 1961 John designated his body to be donated for medical research to University Hospitals in Iowa City, Iowa.
Memorial contributions may be directed to the American Parkinson Disease Association, 1200 Pleasant St., E-524, Des Moines, Iowa 50309 or Edgewater Good Samaritan Endowment Fund, 9225 Cascade Avenue, West Des Moines, Iowa 50266.
Condolences may be expressed at:
www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com
Deacon John McCully, Ames
08/11/2015
Dear Cathie,
It was indeed a shock to hear of John's death. I remember with pleasure the good conversation with John when he and I would meet for a meal.
Nor will I ever forget his amazing ability to detach himself and bring a group to consensus. What a brilliant and talented deacon and what a compassionate heart and zeal for justice for all God's people!
Karen Sedeno
08/11/2015
Dear Cathie & Family,
It was an honor to have worked with Deacon John at Our Lady of the Americas (f.k.a. Visitation). He was a wonderful man, who would listen attentively, and not always responded what you wanted to hear but rather what you needed to hear. I learned many good things from Deacon which I have passed down, my favorite to always write down everything that happened because lawyers are very expensive when you just blab your mouth :) Que descanse en paz nuestro buen Amigo John (rest in peace our great friend John)
Daniel Power
08/11/2015
Cathie --- I was so surprised to see John's obituary in the Sunday paper. My prayers are are with you all. I first met John at the conclusion of his law school class orientation. He came up to me to express his appreciation for the remarks I had shared with the entering law students. It was immediately obvious to me that he would be outstanding as a lawyer because of his caliber of character and his passion to see justice done. I know that John was, is, and will continue to be an inspiring force to all who knew him, including an aging, Irish , emeritus law prof.
I will not be able to be present at his funeral Mass ; my brother's funeral Mass will be at the same day and time in Winston-Salem, North Carolina.
God bless you and yours beyond all measure and beyond all imagination !.
Prof. Dan Power
Jim Hayes
08/10/2015
Our prayers are with the family. Worked with John and spent time with him and Cathie in Mason City and again in Des Moines. A generous spirit indeed.
In sympathy,
Jim
Mark Finkelstein
08/10/2015
Remembering John fondly. Rest in peace, friend.
George Hanusa
08/10/2015
Extending my deepest sympathy to John's family. I knew John from DMARC Cabinet days and always admired his convictions and his dedicated service to important causes.
Mark W. Bennett
08/09/2015
John was a law school classmate. He was incredibly gracious, kind and supportive to all. Our class President and a wonderful leader, he was universally loved and admired. We ate all better for knowing him. Thos is very sad news.
Dee Anna Haack
08/07/2015
Dear Cathie, may my prayers be with you at this time. I just want you to know how kind he always was to me and made me feel special. You knew he was a good man after talking to him for even just a minute.
Marilyn Watson
08/07/2015
My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time of sadness. He made Curt and Debbie's wedding special. I'm sure he will be missed by many. May all the good memories help you through this difficult time.
Jane Trampel
08/05/2015
John was a wonderful friend to me and my entire family. Without his help and kindness, life would have been much harder. He will forever live in my heart as a true friend. Cathie and Mike know that you are in our thoughts and prayers at this time. We love you.