Reverend Jim Otis Avery was born to the late Tom and Mary Lucy Williams Avery on December 26, 1945 in LaFayette, Chambers County, Alabama. He was affectionately called by many “Big Daddy” and “Britches”.

Jim was a graduate of Lanier High School in Lanett, Alabama. Soon after high school graduation, he was drafted into the United States Army. He served during the Vietnam War and was honorably discharged in 1970. Mr. Avery retired from Blue Circle Cement Plant in Atlanta, GA after 26 years of service. He was an avid sports fan.

Rev. Avery was a faithful member of O.H. Ministries in Lanett, Alabama. He diligently served in the following capacities: Men Ministries Pastor, Director of Intercession Prayer, Male Choir Ministry and Parking Patrol Ministry. He was a father figure for all the youth of O. H. Ministries and they were his pride and joy.

Jim was preceded in death by three brothers, Ora Lee Avery, Will Walter Avery and Lewis Eugene Avery. On Sunday, May 1, 2016 he departed this life, as God called one of His strongest soldiers home.

He leaves to cherish his memories: his loving and devoted wife, Elizabeth Maxine Barnes Avery, whom he fondly called “My Rock”, West Point, GA; two sons, Jonathan (Pasha) Avery, Navarre, FL and Clemetae’ (Heather) Avery, Stafford, VA; two daughters, Katina Hicks and Crystal Martin both of Lanett, AL; 11 grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; three sisters, Mary Dowdell, West Point, GA, Eula Avery, Staten Island, NY and Eunice Purcell, Lanett, AL; eight sisters-in-law; 12 brothers-in-law; a special god-daughter, Stephanie Brady; and, a host of nieces, nephews, other loving relatives and friends and the children of O.H. Ministries.