James Avens, Sr., 91, born March 28, 1921 in Newark, NJ died peacefully at home with family in Spencertown, NY on June 9, 2012. He was the son of the late James and Agnes Avens of Roselle, NJ. A devoted husband, kind and loving father, grandfather and uncle, James was predeceased by his wife of 59 years, Gertrude May Avens, brother William Avens and sister Virginia Domin of Roselle, NJ. James is survived by sons Reverend Mark J. Avens, Douglas Avens, James Avens and Gary Moyer, Jeffrey Avens and daughter-in-law Kathleen Avens, loving grandfather of Amanda, Allison, Kristina, Faith and Jacob Avens, who will remember Dad for his warm outgoing spirit, and unconditional love. James was a 1939 graduate of Abraham Clark High School, Roselle, NJ, earned a New Jersey Tree Expert Certification, and was proprietor of Park Tree Service, Roselle Park, NJ for many years. He served his country during WWII in the United States Coast Guard in active duty from 1942 to 1946 and was an avid outdoorsman, sportsman, nature and animal lover. Sincere thanks to the Community Hospice of Columbia-Greene, whose devotion allowed our father to stay at home. There will be a calling hour on Tuesday, June 12th.  at 11am at the Bible Baptist Church where services will be celebrated at noon. Interment will follow at the Ghent Union Cemetery. Arrangements have been entrusted to the French, Gifford, Preiter, Blasl Funeral Home, Chatham, NY. To send an on-line condolence please visit www.frenchblasl.com Memorial gifts may be made to the Bible Baptist Church 1323 Route 21, Ghent, NY 12075 or Community Hospice of Columbia-Green 47 Liberty Street, Catskill, NY 12414.