James Avera

ELM CITY - James Aberton Avera, 75, died peacefully surrounded by his family on May 29, 2007. Funeral, Thursday, 7:00 PM Elm City Baptist Church. Visitation will be at the church immediately following the funeral. Interment will be for and at the convenience of the family. James was born in Johnston County to the late Paul and Anna Langdon Avera and was preceded in death by a brother, Vick Avera and a sister, Lorine Godwin. He was a 1950 graduate of Selma High School and was a Navy veteran. He owned Avera Auto Parts and retired in 1999. Throughout his 35 years in auto parts he owned several stores in Eastern North Carolina and had served on the Automotive Advisory Board at Wilson Tech and had received numerous awards for his achievements in the automotive business. He was an active member in the Elm City Rotary Club and was a recipient of the Paul Harris Fellowship Award in 1991. He was a former deacon at Calvary FWB Church and a present member of Elm City Baptist Church. James was a devoted husband, father, grandfather and was dearly loved by his family. He was a kind and gentle man that never complained and was always content. His favorite quote was "If life hands you lemons, make lemonade". He is survived by his loving wife of 37 years, Alma Thorne Avera; daughters, Faith Wheeler