St. John Antiochian Orthodox Church (4718 E. Horsehaven/Post Falls) is sponsoring a memorial service and a "Beer and Brats" fundraiser in honor of (World War II combat veteran Jim Ayers, pictured) from 1-3 p.m. Sunday. Ayers, who was permanently disabled with a loss of hearing, died destitute recently. An anonymous member of St. John Orthodox Church fronted the costs of his funeral, and Ayers is now buried in the Parish Cemetery. Although Ayers was qualified to be buried in any national veteran's cemetery, he chose to be buried among his Orthodox church "family" instead, according to church spokesman Jennifer Dancy. The church is sponsoring the event to reimburse the donor and to provide perpetual care for the gravesite of this unique veteran. More here.

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