James T. Aven, 57, of Denton went home to be with the Lord on Tuesday, February 11, 2009 after a long valiant struggle with leukemia and its treatment, including a stem cell transplant.

James was the loving husband of wife, Marilyn who was the light of his life since their marriage on November 1, 1997.  He was adoring father to daughters Heather, Hannah,  Holli and Tiffany, and grandfather to 8 beautiful grandchildren.  His generous heart encompassed everyone around him, including Marilyn's entire family who considered him a very great blessing and wonderful addition to the family. Because of his personal relationship with Jesus Christ, he responded to the struggles of life in a way that encouraged and uplifted those around him.  His gentleness of spirit, enduring patience, loving heart, and Godly nature were evidence of his Christian walk, and caused him to touch the lives of countless people. 

He had an amazing analytical, theological, and photographic mind and ministerial heart.  He not only knew who God is, but loved God with all his heart.  He had a heart for people, particularly the elderly.

James was born July 19, 1951 in Fort Worth, TX to John Floy and Thelma Rose (Beaver) Aven.  He was the youngest of four children and always claimed title of much pampered baby of the family.  He attended Fort Worth public schools where he played his greatly loved sport - football.  James received a BA Degree in Religion from Grand Canyon University.  He also attended Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, Oklahoma Baptist University, and Tarrant County Community College. 

James worked extensively in the health care industry, having been a retired Nursing Facility Administrator, Director of Business Development, and Social Service Director for various Texas nursing home facilities.  Additionally, he inspected nursing homes as a Texas State Surveyor and managed out-patient drug treatment programs. James  was a past Director of Campus Life of Buckner Baptist Benevolences, as well as Director of Music and Youth at Mount Gilead Baptist Church.  He was a member of the First Baptist Church of Denton. 

James is survived by his wife Marilyn (Matthews Masten) Aven of Denton, daughters and sons-in-law, Hannah and Scott Akin of Graham, AL,  Heather and Donnie Lopez of Laveen , AZ, Holli and Mike Mills of Paonia, CO, and Tiffany and Joel Weaver of Arlington, TX, sister, Thelma Betts, of Hurst, TX and brother Johnny Aven of Texas, eight grandchildren.  On Marilyn's side of  the family he is survived by sister-in-law Sandra LaQuey, brothers-in-law Jeff LaQuey and Jim Matthews, niece Meagan LaQuey, and nephews Josh Matthews,  Tanner Matthews and Jesse Mann.  James is also survived by countless friends and loved ones including the very special supportive and uplifting members of his amazing First Baptist Church of Denton