James R Avery Jr.

Frankfort, NY:  Mr. James R. Avery Jr., 80, passed away peacefully, on July 12, 2020, in his home, with his loving family by his side.

James was born on July 20, 1939, in Yonkers, NY, son of the late James and Antoinette (Mazzaferro) Avery. He was raised and educated in local schools and graduated from UFA in 1958. Upon graduation James joined the United States Air Force, where he served as both a pilot and airplane mechanic. Although James traveled overseas to many countries he enjoyed his time spent in Hawaii the most.

On November 17, 1962, James was joined in marriage to the former Lorraine Kimball. They spent over 42 years of loving marriage until Lorraine passed away on December 18, 2004.

A gifted mechanic, James was a jack-of-all-trades, who could fix anything. He owned and operated his own shop, M&D Auto, with his son James, and also enjoyed several hobbies. His hobbies included making and repairing custom knives, pens, lamps and even guns. If you have ever received one of these as a gift, you knew you were extra special to him. James even appeared on the Jack Frederick show (which was on every Sunday) to display “Jims’s Custom Knives”.

He enjoyed his strawberry pies, as well as, making princess Diana cake for birthdays. He was involved in many clubs and organizations which include, but are not limited to, Frankfort Little League, VFW- Schuyler, gun safety instructor, Frankfort Center Fire Department, Veterans Outreach, NRA, Deerfield Fish and Game Club and Frankfort Highland Airport, where he kept his private plane, and spent many years flying, with both family and friends.

A loving person, James would do anything to make you laugh, whether it was his sense of humor or one-liners, which his family will be using for years to come. He was an amazing grandfather who shared a unique and special relationship with each of his grandchildren. Some of their memories of him included his hunting and fishing stories to making homemade pickles and most importantly stocking his cupboards with cookies, chips, candy, soda and all the essentials.

James is survived by two children, one daughter, Phyllis and David Lust, Poland and one son, James and Arlene Avery, Frankfort; grandchildren, David Lust Jr., Brian Leuenberger, Ryan (Michele) Leuenberger, Amanda Leuenberger Moss, Stephanie Leuenberger and Stephen   (Brenda) Leuenberger; great grandchildren, David, Brenden (Kendel), Jacob, Hayden, Alanna, Karleigh, Dylan, Allison, Dalton, Lilly Anna, Blake and Abigail; one great granddaughter, Aria; brother-in-law, Lawrence “Pic” Kimball; two special people, of whom he considered his daughters, Mary Ann Devans and Debbie Bower; two special little girls, Noelle (Nole) Bravo and Morgan (Morganism) Bower; one godchild, Bill Bower; cousins, Michael and Clare Karas, Allan and Ellen Fukes, Donna and Pete Bishop, Gino and Kim Brindisi, Mario and Rachael Brindisi, David and Tina Mazzaferro, Randy and Zandria Mazzaferro and Victoria Mazzaferro; and also several nieces and nephews. James was predeceased by several brothers and sister-in-laws and also by several dogs throughout the years, especially all his Jo-Jo’s.

The family would like to recognize some of his many friends that he leaves behind, including Dennis Hayman, George Dunbar, Eric Hale, Wade Haponski, Don and Marcelle Haponski, Fred LaSalle, Tim Colver, Peggy Pretty, John O’Brien, Steve Lilwhiler, Benny (Kelly) Rotundo, Pete Rotundo, Betty and Lori Lust, Doris Dwyer, Marjorie Phillips, Mary Rose Pellimaggio, Janet “Ma” Jones, Rich Jones, Art Jones, Mike Jones, Mike Fitch, Ralph Grems, Gary Talarico, Brian Burdick, John Grabski, Tim Gregg, Jeff Benjamin, Randy Scott, Jim Gleasman, Don Lockwood, Josh Braken, Amanda Braken, Patty Bower and Paul and Kathy Bulinski.

The family would like to offer a special thank you to his Nurse Manager, who was the only one he would call or speak to at MVHS East Utica, Cathy Krowicki; Dr. Molly Schug, for all her care and compassion throughout the years; Hospice and Palliative Care nurses, Cari and Jan, for their kindness and support, to not only James, but, also his family, in his final days; and an extra special thank you to his caregiver, Arlene Avery, for taking care of our dad when he came home, as well as, Nicole Pagliaro, for all your help and special attention.

In keeping with James wishes, there will be no public funeral services. During these difficult times, messages of sympathy on Mattfuneralhome.com provide a great source of comfort to the family.

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