James Royle Avery, 7 December 1925 – 17 January 2023

We were deeply saddened to learn of the death of former BGS Headmaster, James ‘Roy’ Avery yesterday, aged 97. We extend our heartfelt sympathies to his family and his many friends at this sad time.

A tribute from his family appears below. Further details regarding an event to celebrate and commemorate Roy’s life will be shared in due course.

James Royle Avery MA MLitt FRSA

7 December 1925 – 17 January 2023

Roy Avery, the History Boy, the pioneer, the sportsman, the conversationalist, the funny story-teller, the visionary, the inspirational teacher and Headmaster, the lifetime giver of love and service, the friend and family man, slipped gently from the present day into history on 17 January 2023 at the age of 97. 

Bristol was in his DNA, set first as a schoolboy at Queen Elizabeth’s Hospital then as a student in his teacher training year where he met Marjorie; he was so happy to join the Bristol Grammar School family as a young teacher in the 1950s and thrilled to complete the circle, coming back from London to become BGS Headmaster in 1975 until his retirement in 1986. Even then he was snapped up, delighted to return to the classroom at the Cathedral School and at Redmaids; everyone’s favourite elder statesman in the staff room.

He laughed and sang as he lived his life, fulsomely. We each have our memories of a warm, generous gentleman, modest about his own remarkable achievements and so very interested in and proud of others. To say that he will be truly missed is an understatement. It has been a privilege to have known him.

Alison Venn, Jonathan Avery and family