Lipscomb University mourns the passing of longtime friend and philanthropist Jim Ayers
Kim Chaudoin |
Lipscomb University is mourning the loss of Jim Ayers, a longtime friend of the university, who passed away Tuesday, April 1, following a lengthy health battle. Ayers, along with his wife, Janet, leaves behind a powerful legacy of supporting education across Tennessee — including transformational impact at Lipscomb through the Ayers Institute for Learning & Innovation.
“Jim Ayers was a visionary leader who understood that investing in education transforms lives, families and communities. He and Janet have been among Lipscomb’s most faithful partners in preparing teachers and leaders,” said Lipscomb President Candice McQueen. “Through their generosity and belief in the power of education, thousands of students have not only earned degrees but have also been inspired to return to their communities to serve.”
“We are deeply saddened by his passing, but we are profoundly grateful for the light he brought to so many lives. His vision, heart and commitment to students will continue to inspire us in the work we do every day,” she continued. “Jim's legacy and impact at Lipscomb and across the state will live on for generations.”
In 2012, a $1 million gift from the Ayers Foundation launched the Ayers Institute for Teacher Learning & Innovation in Lipscomb’s College of Education, establishing a bridge between education policy and classroom practice. Since its founding, the Ayers Institute has impacted all 95 counties in Tennessee through its professional development programming and resources for educators. Its digital tools — including eduTOOLBOX, webinars, and coaching academies — have reached teachers in all 50 states and more than 130 countries worldwide.
The Ayers Foundation also gave $1 million gift in 2014 to launch the Ayers Leadership Fellows program. This initiative provides scholarships for aspiring school leaders to pursue graduate degrees and administrative licensure through Lipscomb’s College of Education. Together, these two initiatives have become cornerstones of Lipscomb’s commitment to teacher development and educational leadership in Tennessee.
Jim Ayers’ impact on education was deeply rooted in his own story. Born and raised in Parsons, Tennessee, Ayers graduated from Parsons High School in 1961 and went on to earn a business degree from Memphis State University — becoming one of the first in his family to attend college. He never lost sight of the value of education or the importance of giving back.
In 1999, Ayers established the Ayers Foundation to focus on improving lives in rural Tennessee, particularly through education. Since its inception, the foundation has provided more than $200 million in scholarships to over 4,200 students, while helping thousands more secure additional financial aid. The foundation works closely with high schools and families to provide students with access to postsecondary opportunities — and now also supports programs that encourage graduates to return to their hometowns to live and work after college.
The Ayerses’ influence extends beyond education. Jim Ayers founded FirstBank, which grew from a single branch in Scotts Hill, Tennessee, to the state’s largest independently owned bank with assets of nearly $5 billion. His philanthropic footprint also includes establishing the Ayers Institute at Vanderbilt University for cancer research and the Ayers Children’s Hospital in Jackson, Tennessee.
Throughout his life, Ayers received numerous awards for his service and philanthropy, and he held honorary doctorates from institutions including the University of Memphis, Union University, Freed-Hardeman University and Bethel University. In 2019, Lipscomb recognized Jim and Janet Ayers with its Business with Purpose Award, honoring their extraordinary leadership and service to Tennessee communities.
Arrangements are incomplete at this time.