Dr James (Jim) Avakian

Phoenix - Dr James (Jim) Avakian passed away on April 9th 2019. He was born Sept 4th 1951, raised in Fresno, CA and currently a Phoenix, AZ resident of 33 years.

He attended Bullard High in Fresno, CA and graduated from Santa Cruise University. He matriculated into Georgetown Medical School in 1977-1981. He then did his Pathology

Residency at the University of Colorado in Denver. From 1985-1986 he attended a Hematology Pathology fellowship at the University of Utah. Since, he has been employed at BTMC (Banner Thunderbird Medical Center).

He married Marcia Avakian from Bloomer, Wi. in 1983 and became a proud father to his cherished daughter, Adrienne Brooke born March 8th 1987. He became an overjoyed grandfather to Elwyn Mae 2016 and again in 2018 to Rowen Ivy.

Jim had many interests including snow skiing, fly fishing, traveling, mountain biking and a culinary pursuit of the finest foods.

Preceding in death are his mother, Aurora (Dakhlian) Avakian, his father Avak (Jim) Avakian, his brother Gerald (Jerry) Avakian and Margaret Rose Avakian Gutierez.

Surviving Jim are; his wife Marcia Avakian, daughter, Adrienne Anthony, Son-In-Law, Brandon Anthony, granddaughters; Elwyn Mae Anthony, and Rowen Ivy Anthony.

Brothers-In Law; Thomas and Mark Hassemer, Michael Gutierez. Sister-In-Law; Leanne Hassemer. Nieces: Tammy Hanley (Garry), Jessica Hooppaw (Clint).

Nephews; Dustin Hassemer (Chanda) and Andrew Avakian Gutierez (Liz).

Grandnieces and nephews; Amanda and Darin Hanley, Sydney Hooppaw, Gavin, Bella and Brecken Hassemer.

A memorial service will be held at 12:00 PM on Saturday May 4th 2019 at All Saints Episcopal Church at 6300 N. Central. Phoenix, AZ 85012 followed by a reception in the church. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the National Pancreatic Cancer Foundation at www.npcf.us (Jim was a 6.5 year pancreatic cancer survivor).

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Arizona Republic on Apr. 17, 2019.

Memories and Condolences
for James Avakian

15 Entries

John H Rees

April 11, 2024

RIP, buddy.

John Herbert Rees MD

February 4, 2021

I want to offer my deepest sympathy and condolences to Marcia and all of Jim Avakian's beautiful and growing family. I attended Georgetown Medical School with Jim from 1977- 1981. After Med School we all went our own ways but the intense bonds of friendship and character which were forged during those years will long endure. I will always remember Jim as a kind, gentle man, hard working but also fun loving, with a smile never far from his face. Reading about his life after GUMS, his career, his family, and his activities outdoors helps me to know how happy and fulfilled he was. The struggles he went through medically are truly monumental, but I know the love and support of his family made everything he went through worthwhile. May his place in all of your hearts bring you comfort, as he lives on in the lives of those he loved.

Harvey S

March 23, 2020

Dear Marcia and Family: Hello this is Scott Harris from Fresno. I just found out about Jimmy. Im so sad and wish I could have seen him again. I was very close to Jim, Jerry, Midge, also Aurora and Avak senior. Jim affected me in many positive ways which I have carried with me all my life; such as sports, academics, music, ethics, and relationships. I have missed his wisdom all these years. I feel there is a big hole in the population. You all must know all of these feelings and thoughts being he was a husband, father, and an excellent professional. I must say we should keep him in our thoughts by prayer and quotes from his life. I share your loss. I loved Jimmy and will never forget him. Love, Scott. [email protected] GOD BLESS

May 5, 2019

Dear Marcia,
We are so sorry to hear of Jim's passing. Our love goes out to you and your lovely daughter.
Blessing to you both,
Dana & Adam Saylor

May 5, 2019

Marcia, so sorry, my prayers are with you & your Family.

Fondly,
Joni Messina

Garry & Pat Loew

May 4, 2019

All our thoughts & prayers are with all of your family. God Bless all of you during this hard time. Take care.

Brian and Carolyn PRILL

April 18, 2019

So sorry for your loss. Jim was an amazing man.

D. Romans 15:33 Andrews

April 18, 2019

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

Joni Messina

April 18, 2019

so sorry for your loss. My prayers are with the family.
God Bless.

Joni Messina

Jim in his 1968-69 senior year at Bullard High.

Sue Schoenwald Nowicki

April 17, 2019

His old classmates at Bullard High School in Fresno were sad to hear of Jim's passing. We remember him very fondly and send our deepest condolences to his family. Thought you might like to see his senior photo; we were all so young back then!

Kent Parkinson

April 17, 2019

I feel truly blessed to have known and worked with Jim for the past 33 years. He joined our pathology group in 1986 and his presence changed my life forever for the better. Jim and I worked together as a pair at Thunderbird Medical Center in Glendale Arizona for the first 10 years. Days were long and work was stressful but working with him was a joy. He was a wonderful partner and we became best friends. In fact we never had cross words or an arguement .... an incredible phenomena! I always looked forward to coming to work knowing Jim would be there.
He was an excellent surgical pathologist and board certified hematopathologist.

Our friendship resulted in great days mountain biking, skiing and snowboarding in the West and Canada as well as just general socializing with friends. These were great times that will be cherished forever!

Jim was an exceptional man with many wonderful and admirable traits. He was very intelligent yet humble. He was honest and straight to the point. He was kind, generous, witty and down right funny. You always new you were in for a good time. Thirty-three years translates into many fond memories. I love and miss you so much!

The good Lord willing perhaps we will meet again somehow whereupon our relationship will continue from where it left off...that would be awesome.

Rest in peace my great friend.

Lisa Jackson

April 17, 2019

My deepest sympathy to Dr. Jim's family. He was a welcome addition to our mountain biking group. We enjoyed hanging out with him after rides for a cold one. He will be missed!!

April 17, 2019

My sincere condolence, when someone you love becomes a memory, they become a treasure in your heart forever. May your treasured memories fill your heart with love and bring you peace. May the words of 1st Thessalonians 4:14 give you comfort and hope.

Randy Danielsen

April 17, 2019

A soft spoken friend who fought the big battle for many years. We will miss our Sunday brunches with him and Marcia! My heart is heavy and love and prayers sent to the family! Rest in peace, Jim.

Laura Hughes

April 17, 2019

I am so sorry to hear this about Jim! I am a friend from long ago. We went to high school together, and he was my boyfriend's best friend in college. Due to this, we had many adventures together as a group of friends. I remember going to Hawaii as a group of friends and sleeping in a park under a picnic table. Long story, but we had some fun times. He was funny, sweet, and a very good friend. I lost touch with him, but had heard that he has a very nice family. I am so sorry for your loss. It is nice to know that he had a family around him, and that he enjoyed a wonderful profession. Rest in Peace, Jim.

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