James Lawrence William Avey

James Lawrence William Avey was born in Brantford, Ontario, Canada on April 19, 1937.  Jim was the oldest of seven children.  He is survived by two sisters, Pat Harbar and Bonnie Schroeder, and two brothers, Al Avey and Michael Avey.  Married to Joan (Martin) for 68 years, they had five kids of their own, Ruth Michener (Bill), Jimmy Avey (Trina), Mark Avey (Anna), Andrea Townsend (Brian), and Allyson Keith (Alan).  Jim had 15 grandkids, nine great-grandkids, and had one more great-grandchild on the way.   

Jim and Joan were young when they married and their first home was in Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada.  Jim was an adventurous soul who enjoyed travel and people.  He was eventually called into the ministry, pastoring several churches from Ontario to British Columbia.  He then went to the Kansas City area in the United States where he pursued higher education at the Nazarene Theological Seminary.  While there, he continued to pastor, raise kids, enjoy his dogs, and welcome grandchildren while playing key roles in their lives. 

Jim and Joan's doors were always open with warm arms and meals, where all were accepted, cared for, and loved.  There was always room.  As with most pastors, even though Jim retired from the church, he continued to minister and love people as a tour bus driver.  This also gave him a chance to travel, see new places, and meet new people.  

In later years, Jim and Joan moved to Ontario, Canada where they spent 14 years.  Their final move together was to Bondurant, Iowa to live with their eldest daughter Ruth in early 2025.  Jim passed away at home on June 9, 2025, with Joan, his three daughters, and one granddaughter at his bedside.  His life was one of service, loving people and his family.  

May Jim's memory be a blessing to all he met on his path.