James B. Averitt

IRONWOOD, Mich. - James B. Averitt, 74, of Ironwood, passed away unexpectedly on June 7, 2021, at his home.

Jim was born on Feb. 4, 1947, in Laurium, son of the late John and Carmen (Cundy) Averitt. Jim attended public grade school in Malden, Missouri, and graduated from St. Ambrose Catholic High School in Ironwood in 1965. Jim also obtained an auto mechanic certification from Dunwoody Institute in Minneapolis in 1973, and later obtained double associate degrees from Gogebic Community College in criminal justice in 1982 and paralegal studies in 1984.

Jim entered the U.S. Navy on June 21, 1965, and served aboard the attack aircraft carrier, USS Intrepid (CVA-11) out of Norfolk, Virginia, as a gunner's mate. He served three tours of duty in Vietnam and was honorably discharged on June 20, 1969. Jim was awarded the National Defense Service Medal with three Bronze Stars, Vietnam Service Medal with four Campaign Stars, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal and Navy Unit Commendation Ribbon.

Following his discharge, Jim was employed as a truck and delivery driver for Cohodas-Paoli Company in Ironwood, an auto mechanic for Gotta Motors in Ironwood, police officer for the city of Ironwood, Gogebic County Friend of the Court, and as a paralegal for John P. Murphy Law Office in Ironwood, Richard B. Adams in Bessemer and most recently for Jacobs, McDonald & Silc P.C. in Ironwood, having retired in 2010.

Jim was a member of the Ironwood American Legion Post 5 since 1971, and dedicated 18 years to the Ironwood Little League baseball program, having served on the board of directors as secretary-treasurer and was a voluntary umpire. Jim managed the Burger Chef and Hardee's Little League baseball teams as well as the Ironwood Motors Senior League baseball team. Jim was also an MHSAA registered high school baseball official for 13 years.

Jim loved playing golf and boating on Lake Superior, and the Cisco, Manitowish Waters and Minocqua chain of lakes. He loved all animals, especially his twin sister kitties, Kit and Kat.

Surviving are Jim's ex-wife, Sue Averitt, of Ironwood; two sons, Dan Averitt of Minneapolis and Nick (Krystal) Averitt of Burnsville, Minnesota; grandchildren, Brayden Averitt, Kate Averitt, Ian Averitt, Marshall Averitt and Louis Averitt; great-grandchildren, Layla Averitt and Leo Averitt; nephews, Bryce Averitt and Marc Averitt; nieces, Rachel Averitt, Jamey Jackson, Anney Jackson and Joey Jackson; daughter-in-law, Tiffany Averitt; sister-in-law, Mary (Mimi) Moncher; and many dear friends.

Besides his parents, Jim was preceded in death by a son, Jim P. Averitt in 2003; and his brothers, Paul D. Averitt in 2005, and Stephen J. Averitt in 2009.

Per Jim’s wishes, cremation has taken place and there will be no visitation or funeral services. Interment will be in Forest Hills Cemetery in Houghton.

Memorial contributions may be made to the HOPE Animal Shelter, 510 Easy St., Ironwood, MI 49938.

The family has chosen McKevitt-Patrick Funeral Home of Ironwood to honor Jim's legacy of life. You can leave a condolence or a tribute at mckevittpatrickfuneralhome.com.