Late Fresh Prince of Bel Air star James Avery (Uncle Phil) was battling numerous health issues for several years prior to his death from problems after an open heart surgery, reports TMZ.

TMZ acquired the death certificate which showed the 68-year-old actor felt pain from a major coronary heart disease, plus end-stage kidney disease and type-2 diabetes.

"Some of my greatest lessons in Acting, Living and being a respectable human being came through James Avery," wrote Actor Will Smith in a Facebook post on January 5 about his relationship with his T.V. Uncle Phil. "Every young man needs an Uncle Phil. Rest in Peace," he also posted a photo he took with Avery (along with Fresh Prince of Bel Air co-stars Alfonso Ribeiro, Karyn Parsons and Tatyana M. Ali) from the last time they were together.

Alfonso Ribeiro, who played Uncle Phil's eldest son Carlton Banks, tweeted nearly two weeks ago regarding Avery's sudden passing.

"I'm deeply saddened to say that James Avery has passed away," wrote Ribeiro via Twitter on January 1. "He was a second father to me. I will miss him greatly."

Actress Tatyana Ali played Avery's TV daughter Ashley Banks on the 90's sitcom, and expressed her feelings of loss as well.

"James was my teacher my protector & the most magnificent actor. We're feeling his loss very deeply. He'll always be apart of me #JamesAvery," wrote Ali via Twitter following Avery's death.

Avery's certified cause of death is recorded as cardiorespiratory arrest.

He died in a hospital in Glendale, CA hospital on December 31. It was approximately seven weeks following a bypass surgery after a heart attack.

The death certificate also indicated Avery was cremated and his remains were dispersed at sea off the coast of L.A.

Avery is survived by his wife of 26 years, Barbara Avery; his mother Florence Avery; and his stepson Kevin Waters.