James E. Auvil
April 13, 1937 - September 5, 2025 (Age 88)
James “Gene” Eugene Auvil, 88, of Cumberland, passed away on Friday, September 5, 2025 at UPMC – Western Maryland.
Born April 13, 1937, in Cumberland, he was the son of the late Raymond C. and Mary E. (Wilson) Auvil. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his loving wife of 51 years, Helen L. (Bowles) Auvil; son, James C. Auvil; brothers, Donald Auvil and Dale Auvil and wife, Willard “Wille”; sister, Dolores Payne and husband, Donald; and brother-in-law, Robert Holshey.
Gene was a 1955 graduate of Fort Hill High School. After he graduated, he faithfully served his country in the United States Air Force from 1955 and 1959. He was his brother's military escort home, from Korea to Maryland, after he was killed in action as a United States Army Paratrooper. He retired after 32 years as a Water Resource Technician for the United States Geological Survey.
While standing on a bridge taking a water measurement, he was hit by a pick up truck and broke his leg in 8 places (this has become the source of legend). Immediately after surgery, he got dressed and tried to go back to work, cast and all. That would be the only time he missed a day of work.
Gene enjoyed rooting for the Baltimore Orioles and Pittsburgh Penguins. He was an Episcopalian and a longtime member of Holy Cross Episcopal Church. Gene walked ten miles to school, every day, up hill, both ways, and without shoes.
He was one of the most caring, brave, thoughtful, considerate, and selfless people this world will ever know
Gene is survived by his son, Jonathan Auvil and wife, Dana; grandchildren, Elena, Isabel and Alex; and his sister, Shirley Holshey.
In accordance with his wishes, he will be cremated and no services will be held.
Inurnment will be in Restlawn Memorial Gardens with his wife.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in honor of his son, James “Jamie” Christopher Auvil, may be made to Ronald McDonald House Charities Maryland, 1 Aisquith Street, Baltimore, MD 21202 (https://secure.qgiv.com/for/tributegifts-greatestneedfund/).