[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 75 (Wednesday, May 9, 2018)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E615-E616]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  JAMES AVERY--THE TEXAS JEWELRY ICON

                                 ______
                                 

                              HON. TED POE

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                         Wednesday, May 9, 2018

  Mr. POE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, ask any Texan, the name James Avery 
rings a bell. On April 30th, the founder of one of Texas' most beloved 
jewelry brands, died at the age of 96. This family owned company 
designs timeless jewelry pieces reflecting on the things that are 
important in life. Whether it's a first communion cross, a wedding 
band, or a commemorative charm, each piece has a story. When asked 
about the idea behind his design, James Avery once said ``I strive to 
keep designs from being contrived, cluttered, or cute. The challenge is 
to keep things simple.''
  Despite the craftsmanship of his jewelry, James Avery was no simple 
man. Born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin and raised in Chicago, the first time 
he saw the beautiful Texas hill country was by way of the United States 
Army Air

[[Page E616]]

Corps. Basic Trainee Avery was stationed at Lackland Air Force Base in 
San Antonio, Texas (Lackland Air Force Base was also where I did basic 
training in the United States Air Force). It was here that James Avery 
completed pilot training and commanded a B-26 Bomber, flying 44 
dangerous and hostile missions over Germany in World War II. After the 
war, he attended the University of Illinois for Industrial Design, and 
then went on to teach at the University of Colorado. In 1954, while 
visiting his in-laws in Kerrville, Texas, James Avery decided to go 
into the jewelry making business. His business started with a two-car 
garage, a small workbench, a few hand tools, and some scraps of silver 
and copper.
  James Avery Artisan Jewelry is now operating 80 stores in 5 states 
with the headquarters remaining in Kerrville, Texas. This original one-
man operation has grown to over 3,500 employees. After running the 
business for over 50 years, James Avery handed the reins to his son in 
2007.
  James Avery was a bold, innovative, and generous man who touched the 
lives of many people during his lifetime through his work, his art, and 
his giving spirit. The 64-year success of James Avery Artisan Jewelry 
reflects as a testament to his early leadership. The company's mission 
statement is to ``celebrate life through the beauty of design,'' and 
the life of James Avery should be forever celebrated through his 
artistic legacy.
  And that's just the way it is.

                          ____________________