Timothy Avery Obituary

Kerhonkson, NY - It is with great sadness we honor Timothy John Avery, known to friends and family as TJ, who died unexpectedly on September 1, 2025. TJ was born in Kingston, NY on May 10, 1967, a longtime resident of the Rondout Valley area. Everyone who has shared time with TJ has known what a unique, intelligent, funny, kind, and accepting man he was. He was a storyteller and dreamer.
TJ was most recently employed with New York State Insurance Fund in Information Technology. Prior to his longtime position there, he worked in a range of capacities, most notably in the animated movie industry (South Park, Jimmy Neutron, Barnyard), for NASA, and was honorably discharged from the United States Navy. TJ had many passions in life including music, movies, baseball, gaming, motorcycles, etc. The times he loved most were being with friends and family enjoying each other's company with music and drink. He and family members opened a bar in the recent past, Thee Lair. While the business did not prevail, he considered this time some of his fondest.

TJ is survived by many family and friends including his wife of 32 years, Krista Sickler, his daughters whom he loved more than anything, Aria Sickler Avery and Rowen Sickler Avery, his parents, Mary Winder Bullis, and her husband Don Bullis, Virgil (Tim) Avery and his stepmother, Shirley Avery, siblings, Tresa Striffler and her husband Russ Striffler, Ted Avery, and his wife, Helen Avery, Todd Avery and his wife Melissa Avery, Thomas Bullis, Jason North and his wife Tammie Decker North, Jennifer Mikalonis and her spouse, and his "Bruzen" Jason Avery. TJ is also survived by many cousins, nieces, nephews, friends who might as well be family, extended family, in-laws, and so many others.
A Celebration of Life will be held at the Elks Lodge Pavilion, 50 NY 55, Napanoch, NY on Sunday, September 7, 2025 from 1- 5 pm. Everyone is invited to attend and share a story about TJ, say a few words, play music, etc. In lieu of flowers, please consider a living tribute of planting a tree with the Arbor Day Foundation or comparable donation.