obit: James Avery
b: Sep 1876, Clinton, Henry Co, MO
d: Dec 25 1935, Los Angeles Co, CA
Clinton MO - James Avery died at his home in a suburb of Los Angeles, Calif., Christmas, was the word received by Mrs. H. M. Fewel from her brother Will Avery. The funeral was conducted Saturday and he was buried in the Soldiers Home Cemetery, near Los Angeles. Mr. Avery was born September 1876 in Clinton and his first bog was in the Clinton Eye office where he was a general favorite of the late owners, Mr. and Mrs. T. O. Smith. He finished his schooling in Clinton and during the term which Tom Wallace served as county clerk, Mr. Avery was his deputy. He served as a lieutenant in the Spanish-American War and saw service in the old Company F in Cuba. Shortly after his return to Clinton, about 1900, he went to Colorado Springs, taking with him his mother Mrs. R. L. Avery, sister Miss Estelle, and brothers, H. F. (Flave) and Edgar. Soon after they moved there, Flave, who later married Miss Minnie Colt of Clinton, was elected mayor of Colorado Springs, and served several terms, becoming prominent in political circles in that state. Flave died within the past year. Jim Avery became bookkeeper and auditor for the Giddings department store in Colorado Springs, which position he held until a few months ago when his health cased him to resign. He was in a Denver hospital for a time and a few months ago realized his life's desire and moved to California to spend his last days. The company which he served so many years held him in high esteem for he always remained steadfast to the same high principles which he evidenced in the Eye office. It can be truly said he gave his life for his mother, sister and brother, Edgar, for he never married but provided for their comfort and welfare. The members of his family were all aristocrats and this innate breeding made their home a sanctum where was found the dainty linen, silver, china, and lovely old furniture, which had belonged to the Avery family for many years, some of it for generations. The Avery family found joy and congenial companionship in Colorado Springs. Mr. Avery possessed a brilliant mind and was cultured and refined in every sense of the word. He read extensively of the best literature and was a fine conversationalist, always accurate in his use of the English language and interesting in his speech. Surviving him are his sister and brother, Miss Estelle, and Edgar Avery of Los Angeles. The Avery home in Clinton was the place now occupied by Will, Porter and Miss Mallie Eversole.