John Michael Avakian

John Michael “Jack” Avakian of Loudoun County, Va., passed away on Monday, Sept. 30, 2019, after an accidental overdose. He was 22. Jack was born February 4, 1997, in Fairfax, Va., and grew up in South Riding in Loudoun County. He was a graduate of Freedom High School. He attended East Carolina and West Virginia universities and was continuing his studies at Northern Virginia Community College at the time of his death. Jack was an Eagle Scout and loved the outdoors. He was an excellent athlete in numerous sports, an accomplished amateur magician and an expert at card tricks. For his Eagle Scout project, he harvested and milled wood from a farm in Loudoun County and then constructed a storage unit from the lumber for a homeless shelter in Falls Church, greatly increasing its capacity to serve its community. Jack always stood up for the underdog and cared deeply about those who were disadvantaged and underprivileged. When he was able, he dedicated his time and effort to giving back. He struggled with addiction and depression for years, bringing him unimaginable pain and suffering. His disease stole him from his family and friends far too soon, but they take comfort in knowing that he is no longer in pain. The opioid epidemic is very real, and as addiction and drug-abuse disorders have increased, treatment has not. In lieu of flowers, the family has chosen to raise money in Jack’s name for the Young Adult Scholarship Fund through the Ashley Treatment Center in Havre de Grace, Md. https://www.gofundme.com/f/remembering-jack-avakian. This fund benefits emerging adults (ages 18 to 29) who are financially disadvantaged and unable to access rehabilitation and recovery services alone. Jack is survived by his mother and stepfather, Megan and Eddie Pickle, of Fairfax, Virginia; father, Ralph Avakian, Sterling, Va.; sister, Laura Avakian, Reston, Va.; uncles and aunts including Lee and Lisa Lumpkin, Osprey, Fla.; Patty and John Upham, Encinitas, Calif.; Julie and Sean Moran, Los Angeles, Calif.; Bill and Liz Lumpkin, Alpharetta, Ga.; Michael and Shannon Avakian, Fairfax Station, Va.; Camille and Jim Price, Augusta, Ga.; and many dear cousins.
 Visitation will take place 4 to 8 p.m. Friday, Oct. 11. A memorial service will be held 12 to 1 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 12. Both will be at Demaine Funeral Home, 10565 Main St., Fairfax, Va., 22030.