Joseph Jackson Avis

Joseph J. Avis (Joe), a resident of Arlington, Virginia for 57 years, died at his home on Sunday, May 15. He was 84.

Joe was born and raised in Somers Point, New Jersey. He graduated from Ocean City (NJ) High School, University of Maryland and George Washington University.

After college, Joe served as a navigator in the U.S. Air Force, achieving the rank of Captain. In 1959, he began employment at Riggs National Bank of Washington where he worked until his retirement in 1992. Joe retired as Senior Vice President and Director of Human Resources. He was an active Human Resources professional and served as president of the Washington Personnel Association in the 70s.

Joe was an avid sports fan. At Ocean City High School, Joe was a standout athlete, competing in basketball, baseball, and football. He played quarterback for the 1948 South Jersey Championship team. The Ocean City Gazette recognized him on both the baseball and football “Ocean City High School Teams of the Century”. Joe coached Arlington Youth Soccer and made many friends on the tennis court and golf course. He was an enthusiastic Nationals fan and had Redskins season tickets for more than 40 years; his children have fond memories of the many games they attended with their father at RFK Stadium during the Joe Gibbs era.

Joe was a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, and uncle. He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Grace (née Tunnicliffe), two daughters, Laura of Reston, VA and Nancy of Arlington, VA and one son, Paul and his wife Meredith of Arlington, VA and two grandchildren, Chloe and Quinn Avis. Also surviving are two sisters, Jane Hardin and Georgia Miller of Somers Point, NJ and one brother, Bertram (June) of Wirtz, VA and many nephews and nieces. He was predeceased by his parents, Frederick and Jane (née Jackson) Avis and two brothers, Frederick Jr, and Joseph Jackson.

Friends are invited to call on the family and remember Joe’s life on Wednesday, May 25th between 5pm and 8pm at the Murphy Funeral Home, 4510 Wilson Blvd, Arlington, VA. At 7pm, there will be a brief reflection period. Inurnment will be at Arlington National Cemetery on a future date. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions to The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society or the Alzheimer’s Association.