James F. Avery

January 9, 1938 - October 28, 2016

James F. Avery, 78, of Benicia passed away peacefully Friday in a local hospital. He was born in McGhee, Arkansas and has called Benicia his home since 1980. After graduating with a Business Degree from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, Jim worked over 35 years for the railroad, most of those with Missouri and Union Pacific before retiring in 1999. Jim was a devoted eucharistic minister and longtime member of St. Dominic's Church where he also proudly served as a 4th degree Knights of Columbus. He was a well-known and beloved former softball umpire, enjoyed playing golf with his buddies and was an avid football fan, especially the 49ers. Jim loved his walks, especially those along First Street and was a volunteer with many local organizations including Benicia Main Street, Benicia Farmers Market, and St. Dominic's Catholic Church. He will be remembered as a very charming and friendly guy with a wicked sense of humor who never met a stranger. He is survived by his 3 daughters Joell Miller, Melissa Voyvodich, and Marcy Avery; 6 grandchildren Jaymee Miller Castleberry, Devin Miller, Austin & Kaitlin Walling, Dakota Voyvodich, and Alastair Avery Liddle; his beloved aunt and cousins in Missouri; Eva Avery Pearson, Patti Pearson, Lesa Pearson, Donna Halinski & John Larry Pearson. Visitation will be at Passalacqua Funeral Chapel after 4:00 p.m. Friday, November 11th followed by a Vigil & Rosary service at 7:00 p.m. A Funeral Mass of Christian Burial will be held 11:30 a.m. Saturday, November 12th at St. Dominic's Church. Burial will be private. The family prefers donations in Jim's name be made to the UCSF Heart Transplant Family Fund (www.makeagift.ucsf.edu).