John David Avery died in his home on September 12, 2020, after a lengthy illness. John was born in Nirvana, Michigan, on August 21, 1938, to John M. and Goldie R. Avery. John entered the army and served three years in Germany and Iceland. In 1963, he married Connie Jackson in Baldwin, Michigan.
John began a career with the U.S. Forest Service in 1964. He worked in East Tawas, Michigan; Paris, Arkansas, and finished his career in Grand Marais, Minnesota, with 32 years of service. John was one of the founding members of the Cook County Search and Rescue. John and Connie returned to Michigan in 1993. John spent his time there as Cherry Valley Township Supervisor, Lake County Road Commissioner, Deacon at Baldwin Baptist Church and hunting and fishing any time he could. John had a love for people and a passion for being outside.
John is survived by his wife Connie, daughter Renae Smith, son David (Leanne) Avery, both of Grand Marais, Minnesota, sisters June O’Neil, and Georgene Lenahan of Michigan, and Grandchildren: Tyler (Sherri) Smith, Zack Smith, Karlie Avery, Micah Avery, Josiah Avery and Abraham Avery, all of Grand Marais, Minnesota. He was preceded in death by his siblings Ruth, Nora, Carl, and Marion. A graveside service was held at the Cherry Valley Cemetery in Nirvana, Michigan, on Friday September 18, 2020.
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