James Ross ("JR") Avant, 95, of Dilley, Texas went to his Heavenly home on December 15, 2023.  He requested a small family grave-side memorial at the Dilley Memorial Cemetery, and was laid to rest next to his wife, Joan Wood Avant.

JR was born in Dilley on November 12, 1928, where he lived the entirety of his life.  He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 43 years, Joan Wood Avant, and his sisters, Gloria Wheeler and Niny Massey and his parents, Eula Mae, and Forrest Avant.

After graduating from Dilley High School in 1946, JR attended Southwestern University in Georgetown, Texas.  When he met Joan on campus, he determined that he was going to marry her.  JR would tell us that it was a challenge as "everyone wanted to marry Joan."  Following his graduation in 1950 with a degree in business, he returned to work in the Dilley State Bank, and started raising hogs, goats, and cattle.  However, he soon left to serve in the army during the Korean War.  Two years later, JR returned and did in fact marry Joan Wood on June 20, 1953, and loved her dearly for all the remainder of her days and for the rest of his life. He remained in the Dilley State Bank for 68 years, serving as President and CEO during the later decades.  He was the Chairman of the Board until his retirement in 2020.  JR was especially appreciative for the support of the very dedicated "girls and grandmas" at the Bank who made its operation possible.

JR loved and respected the people of Dilley and remained loyal in his support and care of many organizations in Dilley.  He was a lifetime member of the Dilley Methodist Church and helped care for the Dilley Memorial Cemetery in every way.  JR was a member of the Dilley Lions Club, the Shriners, and the Masons for decades, supporting the charitable activities of those organizations. JR loved the brush and cattle country in Frio County, and ranching was a passion all his life.  He had a generous heart for helping others.  He was a kind and loving husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather, who worked hard and lived a simple, dignified life.  A good man in every sense of the word.

JR is survived by one daughter and son-in-law, Jamie Avant Deyhle (Charlie) of Horseshoe Bay; and two sons, Jim Forrest Avant of Houston, and Jeff Wood Avant (Cindy) of Dilley; three grandchildren, Blake Deyhle, Leia Kate Anderson (Michael), Ross Avant; four great grandchildren, Wells, Lillie, Carly, and Joanna Grace Anderson.  He also leaves many nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends who will miss him.

Our family would like to especially thank Monica Mann, Lee Gonzales, Maria Mendoza, Alicia Gomez, Paloma Hernandez, and Cindy Guzman for their loving care over the last few years.  And to our sweet and dear Maria Gallardo, who has been practically a member of our family for over 35 years, a very special thanks.

We are also so grateful to JR's niece, Michele Bryan, and to Joe McMillian and Shirley Burris, for their generous hearts, support, and love of our father.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to the First Methodist Church of Dilley, Drawer Q, Dilley, 78017; or the Dilley Memorial Cemetery Association, Box 18032, Dilley, 78017.  Or any kindness or support to someone in need, as JR would have done.