Rev. James Otho McAvoy

Rev. James Otho McAvoy passed away peacefully at home with his wife by his side in Yuba City, CA on May 20, 2013 at the age of 80. He was born February 16, 1933 in Fairfax, VA to Galen and Vivian McAvoy.

He is survived by his wife of 60 years Nancy McAvoy. He is also survived by his sons James R. and wife Karen McAvoy of Tucson, AZ, and John G. and wife Donna McAvoy of Live Oak, CA, and grandsons Jeff McAvoy and wife Jill Kline of Milwaukee, WI, Greg McAvoy of Live Oak, CA, and Jeremy McAvoy of Milwaukee, WI. He is also survived by his brother-in-law Rev. Raymond and wife Mary Elizabeth Boose of Martinsburg, PA, sister-in-law Bertha and husband Lloyd Finkbiner of Columbia, PA, sister-in-law Shirley and husband Dr. Calvin Wenger of Manheim, PA, and many nieces and nephews.

James served in the Church of the Brethren Volunteer Service for three years in Elgin, IL, working with community children and as a Psychiatric Aide in the State Hospital.

He also served in the Christian Ministry to Migrants in Pahokee, FL. He graduated from Fayetteville High School in Fayetteville, W VA. He graduated from Bridgewater College in Bridgewater, VA and from Bethany Theological Seminary in Chicago, IL. He was an ordained minister for more than 50 years, and served as a pastor in VA, PA, IN, and CA in the Church of the Brethren. He was an active member of the Live Oak Church of the Brethren serving as a Deacon, Church Board member, teaching youth, and filling the pulpit.

James loved traveling , visiting almost every state in the US, and loved taking his three grandsons on trips. He loved his baseball team, the Chicago Cubs, reading, doing crossword puzzles and listening to music. James loved talking to people where ever he went.

A Celebration of Life service will be held at the Live Oak Church of the Brethren on June 1 at 11:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to the Live Oak Church of the Brethren 1990 Archer Ave., Live Oak, CA 95953.

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