James Douglass Ayo

James grew up in Beaumont, TX, where there was no shortage of adventures for him and his brothers and sister. James attended McNeese on a drama scholarship, where he met and married the love of his life, Cynthia Louviere.  

They moved to Boulder, CO, and started a window cleaning business that would continue off and on for the rest of his life.  It was in Boulder that James came to know the Lord, Jesus Christ, as his personal Savior.  This radically changed him, impacting his life for eternity.  Prior to knowing Christ, he lived passionately. Faith in Christ led to him to passionatelypursue others for the Lord. Many hours were spent in sweet fellowship with other believers as he and Cindy embraced the “Jesus” movement in the 70s.  With Keith Greens lyrics blaring, he often reached out to people around him, taking them in, feeding them, and encouraging them in the Lord.  

After being blessed with four children, he was a proud father and loved nothing more than spending time with his family.  He coached his kids in baseball, riding horses, and driving cars.  With James there was never a dull moment.  He once took an old tire and a spring and made a swing that provided hours laughter, especially when the yard flooded.  He made everything fun.

James accomplished many things throughout his life.He was a journeyman pipefitter, started and maintained a window cleaning business, directed at the Lake Charles Little Theatre and later created a biblical drama ministry. He was a pastor and a gifted teacher, but his favorite role of all was when he became “Paw Paw”. When he was not spending time with his family, you would find him playing chess, reading or just discussing politics.

He was welcomed into Heaven on Sunday, June 13, 2021 by his parents and two brothers, Joseph and John Ayo.

“To Live is Christ and to die is gain” is a scripture understood by those he loved most. Those left to cherish his memory are: his wife of fifty-two years, Cynthia; his children- Michelle (James) Romero of Lake Charles, Josh (Trisha) Ayo of Bossier City, Rebecca (Greg) Hanks of Sulphur, Faith (Richie) Dandeneau of Virginia Beach; his grandchildren- Ashley Ortego, Collin Romero, Joseph Romero, Rachel Romero, Alexandra Ayo, Payton Ayo, Deja Ayo, Charles Davis, Ty Dandeneau, Reid Dandeneau, and Jude Dandeneau; great grandchildren- Rylee, Brody, Palmer, Paisley, and Elena; his sister, JaneFussell, and a brother, Jeff Ayo; and Trump, his four legged companion.

The family will welcome friends at University Baptist Church on Thursday, June 17, 2021 from 5pm to 8pm. A small graveside service will be held Friday, June 18, 2021 at Highland Memory Garden.

In lieu of flowers the family invites you to make a donation in his memory to Friends of Alcoholics Ministry, PO Box 217, Flora, MS 39071. Phn # 601-362-4275.