James P. Avant
April 1, 1940 ~ February 14, 2012
Avant, James P., 71, passed away Tuesday, February 14, 2012. Visitation with the family will be 6-8 p.m., Friday, February 17 at Downing Lahey Mortuary East. The service will be at 1:23 p.m., (yes, this is correct), Saturday, February 18, at RiverWalk Church of Christ. Interment will be in Montgomery, AL. Jim was born in Atlanta, GA on April 1, 1940. He was an Eagle Scout and the president of his senior class at Decatur (GA) High School. Jim graduated from Emory University with a BA in History, and from the University of Iowa with an MFA in Painting and Drawing and an MA in Art History. He taught at Wichita State University, the Wichita Center for the Arts, and privately in his studio. His paintings can be found in public and private collections across the United States. Jim enjoyed good art, good music, good books, good food and good friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Potice Chesson Avant and Edith Bowman Avant and his son, Davidson Chesson Avant. He is survived by his best friend and life partner, Julie Scherz; his daughter and son-in-law, Jenny Angel and Dale Hutchison; grandsons, Joseph Ray, Nicholas David and Christian James; and great-granddaughter, Elizabeth. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials in Jims name to Chamber Music at the Barn, 4041 N. Maize Rd., Maize, KS, 67101, the Simple House Ministry program at RiverWalk Church of Christ, 225 N. Waco, Wichita, 67202 or the School of Art and Design, c/o WSU Foundation, 1845 Fairmount, Wichita, KS, 67260.
Visitation with the family will be 6-8 p.m., Friday, February 17 at Downing Lahey Mortuary East. The service will be at 1:23 p.m., (yes, this is correct), Saturday, February 18, at RiverWalk Church of Christ. Interment will be in Montgomery, AL.
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Please accept our deepest condolences for your family’s loss.
My condolences to the family of Jim Avant. I did not know Mr. Avant, but he taught art to my late sister (died April 2011), Nancy Partridge, years ago, and she made beautiful pictures. I can only imagine how many people carry on what they learned from him through their art. May God bless you and bring you comfort at this time of loss.Prayers, Mary Lou
My friendship with Jim goes way back to the upper elementary grades and through high school, but not really in our adult lives. However, I remember vividly how kind and conscientious he was, how scholarly and mature, even when very young, a special friend who now rests in the arms of the Lord. Lynda (White) Mudre
James Avant was my mentor, and as a student at WSU from 1966-1971 in Jim’s painting classes he was the most important influence on me as I found my voice as an artist. There are any number of significant things he said to me to point me in the right direction and encourage my development. With his guidance the foundation was laid, and I was set upon the path to become a good artist. I am forever grateful to him, and remember him fondly. Paintings I did during my graduate studies still hang in Century II in the little theater and the staircases of the Concert Hall. Jim was my advisor as I worked with the manager of Century II,James Clancy, and performed what amounted to being resident artist for a year at Century II. I have lived in San Francisco since 1973. I am a working artist. My parents sent me the clipping of Jim’s death. I am so sorry for your loss. My fond regards. Jon Harris
Jim, you enriched our lives. Thanks for all the years of sharing great art, food, books, conversation and the best of times. We miss you. Love, Sid and Bruce
Even though I have not seen Jim in years, I have such fond memories of him when we were in high school. It is always sad to lose friends, but knowing they are with the Lord brings such comfort. I know he will sorely missed by friends and family; I will keep them in my prayers.
Dear Julie and Family, I will say a prayer for Jim today. Blessings to you all, Jim Burton, DHS 1958, Franklin, GA.
Julie, I am so sorry to hear of Jim’s passing. Ironically the news comes on the eve of my first teaching experience and much of what he imparted to me I hope to pass on to others. He was a very special person.
I just wanted to express my sorrow at the passing of Jim. He was a wonderful artist and I was fortunate enough to be a student of his in his private studio. He taught me a lot and had a wonderful sense of humor. God bless him and God bless the family.
Jim loved the light as evidenced in his paintings and in his life. Paul and I fondly remember walking the Hunting Island Beach with Jim and Julie and delighting in his exultation of the beauty of the Lowcountry light. He expressed his artistic sensibility with integrity, talent and love.
Oh, the memories of high school, the laughs and adventures, the fun of our senior year. Your life was rich and you leave a beautiful legacy. I will pray for your family as you sit at the feet of our Lord and rejoice with you. Fondly, Jean Haynie Stewart
Julie, our thoughts and prayers are with you. May God bless you as you celebrate Jim’s life. Love, Andy, Stephanie, Jenna, Zoie, and Baylee Headley
Jim, we came to know you through my brother, Hal Edwards, and through Julie. What a dear and compassionate friend you were to Hal. And you generously shared Julie’s time when Hal was so ill. While you will be missed beyond words, we rejoice in the glorious hope of Heaven and know the God who commends hospitality will not be outdone in His hospitality to you.
Julie, We are so sorry for the loss of your dear Jim. We are with you in thought and spirit and pray for your strength and comfort. God bless you. Pat and Mickey Campbell
Jim (‘Mr. Spoons’), you enriched our lives in more ways than you can imagine. You made us laugh, made us think, made us question, made us look around and take notice. You made us your friend. Our time and memories with you are treasures. Until we meet again my friend Love, Jim and Cryssie Montgomery