James Edward Avery

James E. Avery, age 84, was called to his heavenly home by his dear Lord and Savior on October 23, 2026, after a year-long battle with cancer.

Jim was born on August 13, 1942, in Muskegon, Michigan to Edward and Donna (Abbott) Avery.

Jim is survived by his wife Elaine (DeLong) of 61 years; his daughters Jillena (Dan) Kellogg, Kathy (Todd) Kreykes, Debbie (Chad) Lampert; his eight grandchildren: Adam, Alex, Storm, Austin, Suzannah, Luke, Lainee, Jaelle; six great grandchildren: Trey, Gavyn, Hayden, Jameson, Carter and Cooper; his sisters: Barbara Bradley, Emma Jane (Chuck) Keen, and Jo-Ann (Darrell) Lockwood; and nine nieces and nephews. All of which he loved and cherished dearly as family meant a lot to him.

Jim’s parents preceded him along with his twin brother, Bob, his only son GySgt Nicholas James, and a niece. He treasured his aunts and uncles and cousins who also preceded him, but we rejoice that he is having a reunion with them again! Jim prayed that when he made it to heaven, he would first be greeted by Jesus then his son, Nick.

Jim grew up in Battle Creek, Michigan and spent most of his life there before moving to Williamsburg in Northern Michigan to be closer to his daughters and grandchildren. He was a 1961 graduate of Harper Creek High School and was a proud Harper Creek Beaver and participated in football as a starting quarterback, was on the co-championship track team, and the Letterman’s Club. Other activities prior to his senior year included basketball and baseball.

Jim comes from a long lineage of veterans who loved this country and our American flag; he was also very patriotic and was proud of his service. After his high school graduation, Jim served three years active duty and another three years reserve with the U.S. Army 1961-1967 obtaining the rank of E-5. He was honorably discharged after having served at Fort Knox, KY for basic training, Fort Leonard Wood, MO and Fort Campbell, KY with training and duties such as engineer training as a field communication crewman, wireman, radio teletype operator, radiological monitoring, light weapons infantryman, and senior rifleman, among others. A bulk of his active duty career was spent at Camp Casey located in Dongducheon, South Korea, roughly 10 miles south of the Korean Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) with the mission centered around immediate readiness and defense deterrence with the 127th Signal Battalion, and 1st Battalion Group, 1st Cavalry Division, 1st Brigade, 8th Cavalry.

Before his honorable discharge, Jim was introduced to the love of his life, Elaine, by his sister Emma Jane. They were married March 22, 1965, and raised their four children on a farm in East Leroy then Battle Creek. Jim started his own successful business, A&B Janitorial Service and Supply, in 1965. He was well-known for caring for his employees, his work ethic and his integrity as a businessman around the community. Jim retired in 2020 when he sold his business to move north.

Throughout his life Jim enjoyed his friends from the Battle Creek YMCA, the Battle Creek Road Runners running club, and golf leagues. He participated in the Detroit Marathon in 1980, earned his scuba diving certification, enjoyed playing and teaching his kids how to play pool, but mostly spending time with all of his family at reunions and get-togethers, and taking his children on camping trips. He was known for his competitiveness with board or card games, his bon fires that could be “seen from space”, and he was an avid sports fan faithful to the Detroit Red Wings Hockey growing up listening to games as a kid. He also reveled in watching the Detroit Lions, the Tigers and the Pistons’ 1980s “Bad Boys” team. His daughters were able to convert his love of NCAA sports from a Bo Schembechler fan to a devoted Michigan State Spartan with his great appreciation for coaches Dantonio and Izzo. GO GREEN! But most of all, he enjoyed watching his own children and grandchildren in whatever activity they participated in from sports to music to academia. His greatest love was supporting his family and would show up to cheer them on.

Jim’s devotion to his family was apparent. Once he knew his body was giving in, he rallied one last time while he was surrounded by his children and grandchildren expressing his love for each one. Thankfully, although his battle with cancer was long, he did not suffer, even gaining weight and staying active up until the very end. He will be remembered for his constant smile and infectious laugh, his determination and perseverance, his love of family, and his faith and love of our Lord Jesus.

Funeral services will be held at Richard A. Henry Funeral Home at 12:30 p.m., on Thursday, November 12, 2026, with visitation from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. prior to the service.

Interment with full military honors will be held at Fort Custer National Cemetery

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Disabled American Veterans (DAV) or Wounded Warrior Project, both organizations that supported his son, Nick, before his passing in 2015.www.henryfuneralhome.org