James E. Avery

He was born November 26, 1936 Lucien, Oklahoma, second of nine children born to Estel Avery and Olive Christman Avery. He was baptized April 18, 1948 at the Lucien Methodist Church. He attended public schools in Noble CO, Oklahoma and after moving to Grand Junction with his family, attended Central High School graduating in 1955.

He met his wife Patsy Thomas in 1956 and they were married, June 21, 1957 at Palisade, CO. To this union were born twin sons, Larry J. Avery and Garry R. Avery.

He enlisted with the Army in 1958 and was honorably discharged in 1961.

He served on the board of Directors at the Rio Grande Federal Credit Union for 11 years, first as secretary then as treasurer. He was actively involved with the Supervisory Committee and Asset Liability Matching Committee He worked for the railroad for 32 years and retired as a Conductor and a regional computer trainer for Conductors in 1997. He belonged to the ATV Group of Search and Rescue (SARC) for 2 years resigning because of his health.

His interests included boating and fishing at Lake Powell, ATV riding, Metal detecting and visiting with family and friends. Always quick with a joke or a funny comment.

Those preceding him in death were his parents, 2 sisters, Barbara and Peggy and 1 brother Paul.

James is survived by his wife of 66 years, Patsy “Thomas” Avery, sons Larry (Tamara) Avery and Garry Avery, 3 grandchildren, Ric and fiancé (Kelly) of Massachusetts, Nicole Avery of Grand Junction, CO, Tara Avery of Fruita, CO and 1 step grandchild, Kyle Beaver of Grand Junction, CO, 3 brothers, Roger of Edmond, Oklahoma, Steve of Covington, Oklahoma, and Mark of Mesa, Arizona, 2 sisters Cindy of Moab, Utah and Lisa of Mesa, Arizona.

A Military Honors Service will be held on Thursday, October 5, 2023 at 1:00pm at the Veterans Memorial Cemetery of Western CO, 2830 Riverside Parkway, Grand Junction, CO 81501

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.MartinMortuary.com for the Avery family.