James Avati

March 9, 2005

Book cover illustrator

James Avati, a respected artist who was considered a "genius" in the cover-art world, died surrounded by loved ones at his Petaluma home on Feb. 27, 2005. He was 92.

Mr. Avati was a self-taught artist who spent the vast majority of his seven-decade career creating paintings to be reproduced on the covers of paperback books. He sold his first cover for $300 in 1949, but later works fetched more than $5,000 each.

He illustrated books for such notable authors as William Faulkner, Tennessee Williams, John Steinbeck and J.D. Salinger. His work for Salinger was an illustration of Holden Caulfield for the cover of "Catcher in the Rye." Mr. Avati also painted the cover painting for the paperback edition of "The African Queen."

He said in a 1995 Argus-Courier interview that he was never happy about the loss of quality between his original paintings and their subsequent reproductions.

His colleagues didn't appear to find this an issue. He was named in 1995 to New York City's Society of Illustrators Hall of Fame.

Although he retired to Petaluma in 1989, he continued to paint portraits and still-lifes at his home studio. He painted many of the homes and businesses of Petaluma, especially spending many hours at Petaluma's Turning Basin.

Mr. Avati was the father of "Zan" Firmage of Maine, "Marghi" Markham of Maryland, James R. Avati of Utah; "Betsi" Davies and Sally Avati, both of New Jersey; and Jennifer Avati Lemos and Tim Avati, both of Petaluma. He was preceded in death by two other children, Laurie Avati and Christopher Avati. He also leaves his longtime friend Michelle Adelman; a sister, Judy Getty of Pennsylvania, and numerous grandchildren.

A celebration of Mr. Avati's life will be held from 2 to 6 p.m. Saturday, March 19. Those interested in attending are asked to call Michelle Adelman at 762-1924 for location information.

Funeral arrangements were made by Parent-Sorensen Mortuary and Crematory of Petaluma.