James "Jim" E. Ayotte's Obituary
James E. “Jim” Ayotte, 85, passed away Wednesday, March 20, 2024, in Muskegon. He was born January 11, 1939, in Ishpeming, MI to Edward and Mary (LaCombe) Ayotte. He was raised in Muskegon and graduated from Muskegon High School. In 1956 Jim joined the U.S. Navy, serving four years aboard the battleship USS Iowa and destroyer USS Bigelow. He moved to Illinois and worked for Kemper Insurance Companies in Long Grove, IL for 34 years before retiring. He then moved back to Muskegon and was a member of St. Mary of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church. Jim married Noreen L. Watkins on December 10, 1960, and she preceded him in death on September 29, 2004. He later married his current wife Gwen, and she survives him along with two sons David (Julie) Ayotte, and Clifford Ayotte, five grandchildren, Joe, Mike, Brianna, Phillip, and Nick, several great-grandchildren, his sister, Mary “Char” Wiersma, several nieces and nephews. He was also preceded in death by mother and father, his step- son Robert Ayotte, his sister and brother-in-law Kay and Bob Ferenz. Jim was a private person and never liked being the center of attention. Per his wishes, he was cremated and there will be no services or visitation. Contributions in memory of Mr. Ayotte can be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. Arrangements have been entrusted to The Walburn Chapel of Sytsema Funeral and Cremation Services, 1547 W. Sherman Blvd., Muskegon, MI 49441.
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