James D. Avery, age 77, of Poulsbo, passed away on August 7th after a long battle with Alzheimer’s.  He was born on May 19, 1944, in Waverly, IA to Jim and Anne Avery.  He graduated Waverly-Shell Rock High School.  Not long after, he joined the Navy.  


Jim’s childhood summers were spent on and along the Mississippi river in Lansing, IA where he met the love of his life, Kathy.  They were married for 52 years.

He is survived by his wife: Kathy Avery, two children: Shari (Eric) Kvistad of New Baden, IL and Mikel (Agnes) Avery of Seabeck, WA, three grandchildren: Jake (Brianna) Kvistad of Kingston, WA, Ruth Kvistad, and Henry Kvistad both of New Baden, IL, great-grandchild: Emery Belger-Kvistad of Kingston, his mother: Anne Avery (100 years old) of Shell Rock, IA, sibling: Joe (Cathey) Avery of Shell Rock, IA. He is preceded in death by his father: James N. Avery, and his grandson: Zachary Kvistad. 

Jim was a 27 year veteran of the U.S. Navy having served in Vietnam, Okinawa, Guam, Japan, England, Virginia, California, and Florida as a CTOC and then received a commission through the Chief Officer commission program before retiring in 1995.  After retiring from the Navy, he worked as an IT specialist for Hughes, Raytheon, the State of Georgia, Avondale Industries, and Boeing in various locations around the US, including some time in Saudi Arabia.  In his full retirement, he was a volunteer at the Naval History Museum in Bremerton, WA.  

Jim loved hunting, fishing, history, and storytelling.  Jim was also a very talented woodcarver whose carvings won several awards at the county fair.  He was renowned for his sense of humor and tall tales.  He had a particular fondness for making up his own poems and lyrics to songs, none of which can be repeated in polite company.    

According to Jim’s wishes, there will be a family gathering on the Mississippi River in Lansing, IA where Jim experienced some of the happiest moments of his life.  Donations in Jim’s memory may be made to the VFW 4992, PO Box 186, Silverdale, WA 98383

Donations in Jim’s memory may be made to the VFW 4992, PO Box 186, Silverdale, WA 98383