James Avery Was Suffering From Severe Medical Issues Prior To His Death

James Avery passed away on Dec. 31, 2013, at Los Angeles' Glendale Adventist Medical Center, and while the death seemed to come out of the blue, it was acutally the result of some "major medical problems," according to a new report.

Prior to his passing, James "was suffering from several major medical problems for years before he died from complications following an open heart surgery," TMZ reported on Jan. 13. In Avery's death certificate, it is revealed that the 68-year-old suffered from "severe coronary heart disease -- along with end-stage kidney disease and type-2 diabetes."

In 2012, Avery spoke out about his diabetes, telling ABC Philadelphia, "It's a horrible disease. It eats you up piece by piece."

Avery also suffered from an issue with his foot, although it is unclear what. Because of the physical handicap, Avery was often forced to rely on a cane or even a wheelchair.

Avery's official cause of death is listed as cardiorespiratory arrest, meaning his heart stopped.

The death occurred roughly seven weeks after he underwent a bypass surgery, following a heart attack. The death certificate also notes that Avery was cremated and that his ashes were scattered in the Pacific Ocean.

After hearing of Avery's passing, Will Smith, who played the nephew of Avery on The Fresh Prince Of Bel-Air, posted the following message on his Facebook page:

"Some of my greatest lessons in Acting, Living and being a respectable human being came through James Avery. Every young man needs an Uncle Phil. Rest in Peace."