James Richard Avery

James Richard Avery, 63, of Martinsville, Indiana, passed away on July 31, 2026. He was born October 6, 1962, in Bloomington, Indiana, the youngest child of the late Donald Leon Avery Sr. and Mary Jean (Wilson) Avery.

Jim and Debra Kay “Debbie” (Mitchell) Avery began dating in May 1980. They married on October 11, 1986, and went on to share more than 46 years together, building a life and family side by side.

As a young man, Jim spent time mowing cemeteries with Earl “Peanut” Adams before beginning what would become a nearly three-decade career at General Shale Brick in 1981. Over his 28 years there, he worked as a loader, monorail operator, kiln fireman, and grinding room operator, spending the majority of those years as a kiln fireman. In 2009, ongoing health problems made it impossible for him to return to work.

Jim faced many health challenges in the years that followed, including cancer, with the same stubbornness those who knew and loved him knew so well. Despite those ongoing battles, his passing was sudden and unexpected, leaving his family heartbroken and struggling to imagine life without him.

Jim had a stubborn streak that anyone who knew him could attest to, but behind it was a kind heart, an easy smile, and a playful sense of humor. He was happiest living a simple life close to home. A true homebody and outdoorsman, Jim loved deer hunting and cutting wood. He and Debbie enjoyed hunting for morel mushrooms, watching the birds and wildlife around their home—especially the hummingbirds—and spending time working together on their property. Jim spent countless hours working on the trails through his woods, often on his side-by-side. If he wasn't out on the property, there was a good chance you'd find him sitting in his garage.

Jim enjoyed the simple things: Debbie's lasagna, a glass of sweet tea, playing Crap with Debbie, and listening to music together. His favorite CDs were often playing from the stereo in his garage, with AC/DC, Tom Petty, Van Halen, Fleetwood Mac, and Aerosmith among his favorites. His four-legged companions were rarely far away, often keeping him company outside or in the garage.

More than anything, Jim loved his family. He especially loved being Papaw to Mason and Madison and treasured the time he had to simply be near them and watch them grow.

Jim is survived by his wife, Debra Kay “Debbie” (Mitchell) Avery; his daughter, Loretta “Lori” (Avery) Kreamer and her husband, Matt; his grandchildren, Mason James Kreamer and Madison Monroe Kreamer; his brothers, Timothy (Paula) Avery and Thomas Avery; as well as nieces, nephews, and many other loved ones.

He was preceded in death by his infant twin sons, Jeremiah and Jonathan Avery; his parents, Donald Leon Avery Sr. and Mary Jean (Wilson) Avery; and his siblings, Kenneth, Donald Jr., Victoria, and Jeffrey.

A Celebration of Life will be held at noon on Saturday, October 3, 2026, at Shelter 4 at Jimmy Nash City Park in Martinsville, Indiana. The location holds special meaning for Jim's family, as it is the same shelter where Jim and Debbie began their marriage 40 years ago.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you honor Jim by sharing a favorite memory, story, or photograph of him. Family and friends are encouraged to begin writing down their memories now and to keep adding to them as more come to mind. Memories and photographs may be brought to the Celebration of Life or shared with the family beforehand. They will be collected and preserved in a keepsake book for Debbie and Lori to treasure and, most importantly, to someday pass down to Jim's grandchildren, Mason and Madison, so they can continue to know their Papaw through the memories and stories of those who loved him.

Jim didn't need a complicated life to have a good one. Give him his family nearby, his woods and wildlife, and some good music playing from the stereo in his garage, and he was right where he wanted to be. Those simple, everyday pieces of the life he loved are where his family will continue to find him and remember him most.