James Austin Avery Sr. 64 of Mystic, CT, went home to the Lord on January 20, 2019 at his home surrounded by his loving family after a courageous battle with cancer. James was born in Norwich, CT, to Reynolds and Grace (Lockwood) Avery.
He is survived by his loving wife Sally (Bazzano) Avery of Mystic, a son James Avery Jr. of New London, a daughter Jasmine Avery of Killingly, a son Justin Avery and wife Bonnie of Woodstock , and a daughter Jade Avery of Central Village.
He also leaves behind 12 siblings: Dennis J. Avery of CT, Grace (Art) Morin of Maine, Fred (Annemarie) Avery of Texas, Rhonda ( Jerry) Thayer of CT, Diane Meriwether of CT, Debra Joseph of CT, Denise Denis of NY, Carol (Scott) Williams of CT, Sheila (Mike) Rusiecki of NY, Thomas (Nadine) Avery of CT, Janice (Randy) Beauregard of Mass, and Ricky (Tammy) Avery of CT.
In addition to his parents and his step-father Thomas Main, James was predeceased by a son, Joshua Avery, as well as a brother Dennis R. Avery. He leaves behind 11 grandchildren, Coby, Hunter, Alexis, Donovan, Jamey, Braydon, Iyana, Payton, Liam, Bentley, and Hailey. James was also loved by mother-in-law, Lena Bazzano, brothers-in-law, Rody (Lucille) and Tom (Sandy), sister-in-law Carla (Mike) and lifelong friends Clarence (Donna) Walden. He will be missed by aunts, uncles, many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
James was a roofer and CDL driver by trade, but very much loved helping people which led to his 15 year career as a client supervisor at Fellowship House Ministries, as well as 25 years of volunteer work at various organizations.
Jim’s relationship with our Lord enabled him to change direction in his life. He was deeply committed to the love of his life, Sally. He was a loving father and papa to his children and grandchildren. His love of family and friends, the joy he found in making a house a home, a campsite an adventure and a well-cooked meal a feast of love and lively conversation are elements of Jim’s life we will all deeply cherish. He was a force of nature, an example of all that is best in this life. He was a fighter and a survivor. He was a person who lived fully from the beginning to the end. All the fun times shared, all the deep belly laughs and light moments will always bring joy to our hearts. He was good at celebrating, but equally good at helping us bear heavy burdens.
The family would like to extend heartfelt gratitude to their family, friends, to their Christian community including Fr. Jay and Fr. Stan, to Masonicare and all the dedicated doctors, nurses, and caregivers and a special thanks to Robert and June Lenert.
His family will greet relatives and friends on Saturday, January 26, from 3 to 6:00pm at the Dinoto Funeral Home, 17 Pearl Street, Mystic. A Funeral Service will be held on Sunday, January 27, at 2:00pm at Bishop Seabury Anglican Church, 6 Hurlbutt Road, Gales Ferry. There will be no procession from the funeral home. Burial will be held at a later date in St. Sebastian Cemetery, Middletown CT.
Donations in his memory may be made to Bishop Seabury Anglican Church Building Fund, P.O. Box 188, Gales Ferry CT 06335 or to St. Vincent De Paul Soup Kitchen, 120 Cliff Street, Norwich CT 06360.
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