James Lee Avett

Master Sargent James L. Avett (Ret.) passed from this earth on May 16, 2020. He left suddenly and without pain, his wife and high school sweetheart of 55 years and 1 day was by his side.

Jim was born in East St. Louis, IL on Nov. 21, 1946. He was a graduate of John Jay High School in San Antonio, TX and joined the Air Force in 1966. Jim proudly served for 25 years in Vietnam, Germany and multiple bases throughout the United States until retiring out of Eglin AFB in FL.

Avett continued to serve the military community, while working at Eglin Bowling Lanes and through the Eglin Postal System. He was the Postmaster of Hurlburt Field until 2018.

Jim is survived by his loving wife and best friend, Barbara A. Avett (Duesing) whom he met while attending Kubasaki High School in Okinawa. His son Michael Avett,  (wife Sarah) and daughter Sherri (husband Tom) Henry. Grandsons Michael Avett, Jr., (mother; Kim), Devon Avett, Colton Henry and Jacob Henry. Granddaughters Stephani Dwyer (mother Donna, husband Patrick) and Breezy Henry. Great Grandchildren Ryder, Elijah and Brynlee. Siblings Tina Brown, Donald Duesing, Jr., Betty Stokes, Patricia Duesing, Sandra Aluoto and their families.  Jim and his cousin Billy Bethea and kin, always shared a special bond.

He is preceded in death by two infant sons, James Lee Jr. & Donald Everett.

The names listed above are only a fraction of people who love Jim. He truly left his mark and a million smiles throughout his 73 years. Jim was a loving family man, BBQ King and an avid Dallas Cowboys fan. He loved to make others smile by telling a joke or making a small gesture like giving out donuts. He would only want each and everyone of us to continue to be kind to each other and to make someone smile.

HOW ‘BOUT DEM COWBOYS!!

The Family has chosen  not to have services for Jim at this time, if you would like to do something on Jim’s and the family’s behalf, please donate to your local Amvets or a veterans program of your choosing in his name.

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