James "Jim" Homer Avery

Family, friends and colleagues celebrated the life of Chief James "Jim" Homer Avery Saturday, May 18th 2013.

Chief Avery passed away on Thursday May 16th after serving his community in public safety for over 51 years. He began his service at Fort Bragg in North Carolina with the 82nd Airborne Division, then began his career of public service by joining the Atlanta City Fire Department. After obtaining the rank of Lieutenant with the Atlanta City Fire Department, he began to serve with the Fulton County Fire Department where he obtained the rank of Captain. He served as Chief of training with the Forsyth County Fire Department before retiring as Chief of White County Fire Department. In his long studious career, Chief Jim Avery also served as Director of Federal Emergency Management, Georgia Emergency Management, Director of Training, Instructor for Scuba Dive and Search Team and Rescue EMS.

After his retirement, Chief Avery relocated to Fort Walton Beach, Florida where he continued to serve the public in The United States Coast Guard Auxiliary. He was a great leader, teacher, husband, father, grandfather and friend and he will be truly missed by all. As one of his firefighter colleague's spoke of him, "He is and will always be a legend."

His life is continuing to be celebrated by his wife, Carolyn Avery, their two daughters Cheryl Avery Hicks and Michelle Avery and their grandchildren Anthony Avery and Elyse Patterson.

Ingram Funeral Home & Crematory, Cumming, Georgia is in charge of arrangements.
Condolences may be made at www.ingramfuneralhome.com.