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BORN
1947
DIED
2018
FUNERAL HOME
James Ayling Obituary
He was born July 26, 1947 in Jamestown, NY to Frances Rudgers Ayling and Paul Crosby Ayling. Jim was predeceased by his parents and first wife, Bonnie Gilbert Ayling.
In 1992, Jim married Mary Margaret Ryan and they just celebrated their 26th anniversary.
Besides his wife, he is survived by his sister Sandra (Don) Rothra of Arizona, his daughters, Ronni (William) Jones of Stephentown, NY, Barbara (Robert) Schafer of East Nassau, NY, his son, James Paul Ayling of Stephentown, NY, stepson, Peter Garivaltis of Vermont, and stepdaughter, Brigid (Douglas) Miller of East Nassau, NY. He has 8 grandchildren whom he adored: Danielle, Nolan and Cole Jones, Emily and Holly Schafer, Sophia Garivaltis, and Harlow and Ryan Miller, as well as many nieces and nephews.
Jim graduated from Jamestown High School in 1965. He worked at Automatic Voting Machines in Jamestown before serving in the Army in Vietnam. His passion was police work and he became a New York State Trooper in 1973. He served NYS until his retirement as a Senior Investigator for the Bureau of Criminal Investigations in 2001. He then returned to NYS Homeland Security and re-retired in 2005. After his 2nd retirement he was a consultant with the Center for Missing and Exploited Children until 2017.
Jim was a member the Lions Club in Richfield Springs and co-owned a Sears catalog store in Richfield Springs. He also loved his dogs, playing Texas Hold 'Em and wearing his Hawaiian crazy shirts. Jim enjoyed attending many of his grandchildren's school and sporting events. He was loved by many for his kind heart, witty humor and was always someone you could rely on as a true friend.
SERVICES: Calling hours will be held on SUNDAY, August 12, 2018 from 2-4pm at DEVANNY-CONDRON FUNERAL HOME, 40 Maplewood Ave. in Pittsfield, MA. A Liturgy of Christian Burial will be celebrated on MONDAY, August 13, 2018 at 10am at St. Charles Church in Pittsfield, MA with Rev. A. Peter Gregory, pastor emeritus, officiating.
Donations in memory of Jim can be made to the Lions Club of Richfield Springs, The Community Hospice, or the Center for Missing and Exploited Children, all in care of the Devanny-Condron Funeral Home.
Memories and Condolences
for James Ayling
Sponsored by The Berkshire Eagle.
20 Entries
Colleen Mancinelli
August 26, 2023
Jim introduced me to forensics. I thought of him out of the blue today, 8/26/23. I looked him up and found his obituary. I´m saddened to read this. I wish I knew when he passed. I would have attended his service. He was a great and passionate person. I was, I think his only intern, back in 1999. I built a career on what I first learned from Jim. And he got me out of a speeding ticket just because I said his name, years after I left the NYSP. Here´s to Jim, a great man.
Kweli Ya-Saleem
September 16, 2018
Dearest Maggie, My dear friend. I am terribly distressed to hear of my friend's crossover into to a new life.I regret that I was not able to be with you in your time of need and to share in your griefI. I love you and always will.
Anthony GRAFFEO
August 23, 2018
Jim, thanks for your service in various aspects of LE and especially with NCMEC
August 13, 2018
My heartfelt sympathys go out to the family and friends during this difficult time. I hope the words in 1 Thessalonians 4 : 14 can bring you some comfort. Knowing that there is a future for the ones we have lost in death can be so reassuring.
Les LeViness
August 13, 2018
So profoundly sorry to hear of Jim's passing. As a retired NYS Trooper, last assigned to the Richfield Springs Station, Troop C, I worked with Jim when we were both Troopers and also when he came back to the station after obtaining the position of Sgt. Jim was a terrific station commander, intelligent, witty and a good friend. My condolences go out to the family.
I well remember his smile.
David Segit
August 12, 2018
As my first Station commander, there could not have been a better mentor to a young Trooper. Thoroughness, attention to detail and a very strong sense of community were all things Jim modeled.
May God bless and comfort Jim's family and grant rest to his soul.
Mark Atanasoff
August 12, 2018
Very sorry to hear of Jim's passing. We were friends and classmates at the State Police Academy and later saw each other from time to time when he was in Richfield Springs and I was in Herkimer. He was a great guy with a warm smile. Rest in peace, Jim.
BRIAN THOMSON
August 11, 2018
I will miss Jim's unfailing humor and his optimism. He was a good friend that I have missed and will always remember him. God bless his family and friends.
Louie Sacca
August 11, 2018
The Wednesday night Poker Club will miss you.
August 11, 2018
Jim was a great man he will be forever missed!!
August 11, 2018
Enjoyed many Wednesday nights playing cards
He will be missed
God bless
Mark Primeau
Kathy Houghtaling
August 11, 2018
Maggie and family,
I am so sorry for your loss, please know you are in my thoughts and prayers.
August 11, 2018
I was a school mate of Jim' s and had fond memories of him. His life reflects the sound character he showed when I knew him. May he Rest In Peace.
Don Anderson
Devanny Condron Funeral Home
August 11, 2018
We wanted you to know how much we care. Please know that we are here for you.
Don and Marlene Taggart
August 10, 2018
We enjoyed the times we were able to spend in the Berkshires and with our family who are in the area. Very happy times and our memories are cherished. Our prayers are with all the family. Much love, Don and Marlene Taggart
Jim and buddy Dick
Gloria Coppola
August 10, 2018
Jimm Redmond
August 10, 2018
Thanks for your valued friendship, Jim. It was great working with you and you will be missed. Keep things straight up there in Troop Heaven until I can come up and give you hand. To Jim's family, thanks for sharing Jim with his friends. Peace of the Lord be with you all. Jimm Redmond, NCMEC
1997
Gloria Coppola
August 10, 2018
So long, my friend. You fought very hard. You can now rest in peace. I will miss all of your corny jokes.
To Maggie and family - May all of your happy memories of Jim hold you until you are together again. God bless.
Showing 1 - 20 of 20 results
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Memorial Events
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Aug
12
Calling hours
2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
CLOSED-Devanny-Condron Funeral Home40 Maplewood Avenue, Pittsfield, MA 01201
Aug
13
Liturgy
10:00 a.m.
St. Charles Church
Pittsfield, MA
Funeral services provided by:
CLOSED-Devanny-Condron Funeral Home40 Maplewood Avenue, Pittsfield, MA 01201
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