James E. "Jim" Avara

Sherman- Funeral services for James Ernest Avara will be held at 2:00 PM Monday, October 10 at Waldo Funeral Home. Chaplin Karen Martinez will officiate. Mr. Avara, 81, passed away Thursday, October 6 in Sherman.

The son of a peanut farmer, James was born November 7, 1934 in Olton, Texas to the late Ernest Howard Avara and Bonnie (Smith) Avara. In 1952, at the age of 17, he joined the US Navy and served in the Korean Conflict and served two years in occupied Japan. On June 26, 1977, Jim married JoAnn Corbin in Wichita Falls.

Mr. Avara owned and operated Texoma Sales and Service, Singer Sewing Dealership in Sherman for 35 years, retiring at the age of 78.
Mr. Avara is survived by his wife JoAnn of Sherman; son, Mark James Avara of College Park, Maryland; three daughters, Julia L. Morrison and husband Rick of Wichita Falls, Jalene R. Thompson and husband Terry of Wichita Falls, and Jamie L. Avara of Wichita Falls; five grandchildren, Luke Thompson and wife Amy of Wichita Falls, Sarah Thompson of New York, Macy Morrison of The Colony, Caley Morrison of Wichita Falls, and Ashley Avara of Wichita Falls; and two great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by two sisters and one brother.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Home Hospice of Grayson County, St. Jude Children's Hospital, or the charity of your choice. The register book can be signed online at waldofuneralhome.com.