James Vinton Ailes, Sr., 81, of DeLand, Florida passed away on April 8, 2024. He was born in Lancaster, Ohio on April 11, 1942 to James C. Ailes and Gertrude Pemila (née Hines) Ailes.

James joined the military in November of 1961, serving in the United States Army until 1964. He left Ohio in 1974 and settled down in Volusia County, Florida. He would spend close to twenty years working for the City of Lake Helen in the Public Works Department. James loved spending time with his family and friends, and took great pride in his grandchildren and great grandchildren. When he wasn't spending time with his family, he enjoyed traveling to the mountains of North Carolina or home to Ohio to see friends and family. He loved riding his motorcycle, or going to car shows to see the classic cars. James loved the outdoors, from hiking and kayaking to spending time at the beach.

He is preceded in death by his first wife, Rita (née Constable) Ailes; his parents, James C. Ailes and Gertrude Pemila (née Hines) Ailes; and his daughter, Tina Lynn (nee Ailes) Sonnenfeld.

James is survived by his wife, Shirley (née Goodwin) Ailes; his son, James V. (Annette) Ailes Jr.; his grandchildren, Monica (David) Sharpe, Blake (Erica) Ailes, and Nathan (Julia) Sonnenfeld; his great-grandchildren, Jase Sharpe, Deegan Sharpe, Rowan Ailes, Lorelei Sonnenfeld, and Roslyn Sonnenfeld; his step-children, Emily Dean, Travis (Jennifer) Dean, and Kaylee Dean; and his step-grandchildren, Luke Dean, Esther Dean, and Amie Squires.

A memorial service will be held on Friday, April 19, 2024 at 1:00 pm at DeLand Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers, donations may be in his name to AdventHealth Hospice.