Rev. James Paul Avery, Sr.

Rev. James Paul Avery, Sr.

James Paul Avery, Sr. "Spookey", was born on October 9, 1946, in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, to the late Theodore Avery and Helen Griffin. After his mother’s passing, James was raised by his grandparents Chester and Mattie Griffin. On Wednesday, June 5, 2024, Spookey transitioned to eternal life.

James, a graduate of George Washington Carver High School in Picayune, Mississippi, was an outstanding athlete and quarterback of the high school football team. The Carver High Pirates had an exceptional record and several state championships. After graduating with the class of 1966, Spookey continued his education and athletic career at Mississippi Valley State University where he was also Quarterback. Being an exceptional athlete, football was not his only sport. After college, James spent time playing minor league baseball. Being a jack of all trades, James was no stranger to hard work. He was an entrepreneur and retired from General Motors in Mansfield, Ohio, where he worked as a crane operator for over 23 years. James was a compassionate man who lived by the motto "God loves a cheerful giver".

With a smile that could light up and room, and an undeniable charm, Spookey was truly one of a kind. He was always ready to lend a helping hand. James loved to laugh and spend time with his family. He was an avid outdoors-man, fisherman, and a music enthusiast.

Mr. James Paul Avery, Sr., was preceded in death by his mother, Helen Griffin; his father, Theodore Avery; his grandmother, Mattie Griffin; and his grandfather, Chester Griffin. Sisters: Annie Laura Griffin, Bettie Griffin Jones, Shirley Griffin, Rosalee Nicholson, Roseanne Avery, Brothers: EC Griffin, Richard Griffin, William Avery, Roy Avery and Nephew Larry "Poncho" Griffin, Jr., Cousins: Charles Quinn Sr, and Phil Quinn. He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Carol Hampton Avery, whom he married on April 26, 1969; his son, James Paul (Ericur) Avery, Jr. of Catahoula, Mississippi; his daughter, Krystal (Zach Harriman) Avery of Marysville, OH; his grandchildren: Mychal, Tecarol, James III, Morgan, Jason, Ka'Nihia, Kody, Savannah and soon-to-arrive, Quinn; his great-grandchildren: Samarieon, Jamaya and Kyrie; his brother, Larry Griffin; his in-laws, Tom (Stephanie) Hampton, Larry (Vickie) Hampton, Mike (Glenda) Hampton and William Hampton; and many other relatives and friends, including Terra Griffin, Reshonda Griffin, Kyle Jones, K’Shawn Smith and K’Aiden Griffin; and a host of nieces, nephews, and friends.

Funeral Services for James Paul “Spookey” Avery, Sr. will be held at the Little Providence Baptist Church, 21150 Highway 43, Picayune, MS, 39466, in the Catahoula Community. There will be a viewing Friday, June 14, 2024, from 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm, and on Saturday, June 15, 2024, from 11:00 am until 12:00 noon. The services will be Saturday, June 15, 2024, at 12:00 noon. The interment will be at the Catahoula Cemetery. The repast will be in the Fellowship Hall of the Little Providence Baptist Church following the internment. Entrusted to Brown’s Funeral Home, 1011 Rosa Street, Picayune, MS 39466. Register Book, Obituary and Driving Direction can be found on our website at www.brownsfuneralhomepicayune.com