James Harper Age 95, of Fort Myers, FL, and formerly of Norwich, NY, died Tuesday, May 30, 2006, at Hope Hospice, Bonita Springs, FL, after a lengthy illness. Mr. Ayer was born in Virginia on Oct. 30, 1910, the son of the late Francis and Carrie Harper Ayer. He was a self employed poultry farmer and later was employed as a Case Worker for Chenango County DSS in Norwich. He was a member of the First Congregational Church of Norwich, an avid reader and enjoyed baseball. James was formerly a member of the Masonic Fraternity. He was predeceased by his wife of 53 years, Bernice Ham Ayer; his sister, Mary Ellen Davison; and his daughter, Eleanor Townsend. Survivors include his son and daughter-in-law, Robert and Carol Ayer of Freeville, NY; grandchildren, Linda (Robert) Robitaille, Karen (Randy) Trask, Deborah (Heidi Cabral) Ayer, Ann (Philip) Smith and Edwin (April) Tucker; six great-grandchildren, one great-great-granddaughter, nieces, nephews; and his companion of 16 years, Mary Burroughs of Fort Myers. Calling hours are at 10 a.m. followed by a memorial service at 11 a.m., Friday, June 16, 2006, at the Perkins Funeral Home, 55 West Main St., Dryden, with Rev. Dale Austin officiating. A private burial for the family will be at Woodlawn Cemetery, Elmira, NY.