James Andrew McAvoy, 63, of Titusville, Cherrytree Township, Venango County, died unexpectedly of natural causes shortly after his arrival at the Titusville Hospital on Thursday morning, September 7, 2017.

                He was born in Detroit, Michigan on February 1, 1954 to the late Joseph and Nancy Ann (Petroff) McAvoy. 

                Jim graduated in 1972 from Cochranton High School, and in 1986 he earned his associate degree in electrical engineering technology from the Shenango Valley Campus of Penn State.

                He served in the U.S. Air Force from 1972 through 1976, stationed in Italy. 

                Mr. McAvoy was a member of the Lighthouse Christian Center in Titusville.  Over the years, he participated in several mission trips out West to the Indian Reservations.   

                Jim enjoyed his pets, tinkering at home on various projects including making bio-diesel fuel from recycled cooking oil, and making his own soaps and detergents.  He loved the outdoors, traveling, camping, and fishing.  This year he was able to make a special trip to see Yellowstone National Park.  Jim loved his family very much. 

                He was retired from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, where he worked on air quality control with the Department of Environmental Protection. 

                Jim was married in North Sandy Presbyterian Church in Mineral Township on June 21, 1980 to the former Helen L. (Hutchinson) Davis, and she survives. 

                Also surviving are three children:  Michael McAvoy and his wife Marne of Bradford, Adam "A.J." McAvoy and his wife Shelly of Willow Creek, and DawnMarie Sampson and her husband Charles, Jr. of Titusville; and eight grandchildren: Kai Hoopes, Hannah, Michael, and Elisha McAvoy, Gabe and Garrett McAvoy, Stacey Page, and James Sampson; and one great-granddaughter, Amber Page. 

                He is also survived by his sisters-in-law and their families, Barb and Frank Krizinsky, Cathy Bell, and Sue Smith; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. 

                    He was preceded in death by his parents, and a granddaughter, Elaina McAvoy. 

                    Friends and family will be received Saturday (Sept. 9th) from 10 a.m. - noon at the Hile-Best Funeral Home, 2781 Rte. 257 in Seneca, Cranberry Township, where the V.E.T.S. Honor Guard will accord full military honors at 11:45 a.m.   Visitation will then continue at the funeral home Saturday afternoon from 2 - 4 p.m., and the funeral service will be held in the funeral home Saturday at 4 p.m., officiated by Jim's son, Rev. Michael McAvoy. 

                Interment will follow in Old Sandy Cemetery, near Polk. 

                Memorial contributions may be made to the Lighthouse Christian Center, 111 West Spring St., Titusville, PA  16354.

                Condolences may be submitted to the family online by visiting www.hilebest.com

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