James Avery

James A. Avery, of Cove City, passed away on October 7, 2026, at the age of 94, leaving his family with a lifetime of memories and a lasting example of kindness, generosity, and hard work.

Born in Pamlico County in 1932 and raised in New Bern, James was one of five children, growing up alongside his sisters and brother, Rosa Mae, John, Pearly, and Gracie. As a young man, he enlisted in the United States Navy and served during the Korean War. For a time, he and his brother served aboard the same ship—a meaningful connection to home during his years at sea.

Following his honorable discharge, James returned to New Bern, where he began dating his sweetheart, Melva. They married on November 23, 1957, and built a life together that spanned nearly 50 years before her passing in 2006. Their family grew with the arrival of two daughters, Melba and then Norma, and James worked faithfully to provide for the home they shared.

When his daughters were small, James worked for the City of New Bern, walking to work each day. He later spent several years in pest control before beginning a career in civil service at Cherry Point, where he worked for approximately 28 years until his retirement. Even then, James enjoyed having something useful to do. He found satisfaction in working at Greenleaf Memorial Park, cutting grass and helping care for the cemetery grounds.

James found happiness in the simple pleasures of life. He loved raising a garden and spending time fishing, whether at Lawson Creek, along the Trent River, or just down from his home near the West Wilson Creek bridge. Those familiar places brought him many hours of enjoyment through the years.

Friendly and easy to know, James never met a stranger and was always ready to crack a joke. He loved children and often had a pocket full of candy, ready to bring a smile to a little face. His giving nature showed itself in these everyday gestures—the things that may seem small at the time but become treasured memories for those who knew him.

To his family, James leaves more than the story of a long life. He leaves memories of conversations, laughter, fishing trips, days in the garden, and the comfort of knowing he cared. His love will continue to be remembered and shared by the generations that follow him.

He is survived by his daughters, Melba Bolton and Norma Vick and her husband, Tim; grandchildren, Tony Banks and his wife, Danielle, and Bradly Banks and his wife, Allyson; step-grandchildren, Timmy Vick and his wife, Neftali, Tommy Vick and his wife, Savannah, and Skylar Dye and her husband, Cole; his sister, Gracie Eakes; great-grandchildren, Avery Banks, Zoey Banks, and Jameson Banks; and step-great-grandchildren, Tyler Vick, Timmy Vick, Jr., Samuel Vick, Carter Vick, and Violet Dye.

A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, October13, 2026 at the Lakeside Chapel at Greenleaf Memorial Park, with Elder Bill Braddy presiding. Military honors will be presented by the United States Navy. The family will receive friends at the Lakeside Chapel following the service.

Bennett Funeral & Cremation Care is honored to serve the family and friends of James Avery.