James Davis

The decade of the 1920s was a time of change the world over. With tremendous growth and technological advances, many were hopeful, and found much to be thankful for. This was especially true for William Franklin and Edythe Anna (Walters) Davis of Plymouth, Indiana when on July 27, 1926 they welcomed the birth of their son, James Edward into their hearts.

James was one of eight children in the Davis household which included his siblings, Herman, Raymond, Mabel, George, Mary, John, and Vachael. Sadly, his father died when James was very young and his mother did her best to raise her children with the help of the older siblings. To make ends meet, she took in washing, ironing and other odd jobs. Eventually, the expense of her large household became too much and James went to live with his aunt and uncle, Omer and Rose Hall in Paoli, Indiana.

Having attended the area schools, James went on to attend high school in Plymouth, Indiana. However, like many young men during World War II, at the age of 17 he joined the U.S. Navy along with four of his brothers who served during World War II. Thankfully, they each returned home safely at the war's end.

Following his honorable discharge, James took a job delivering Studebaker automobiles from the manufacturing plant in South Bend, Indiana to Grand Rapids, Michigan. But while visiting a local grocery store there, his life was forever changed.

James met Louise Herbert on that fateful day and they dated over the next year. After he took up residence in Grand Rapids, the loving couple became husband and wife on June 11, 1955. James took on Louise's three children, Terry, Pam and David as his own, and together they shared the love of three more children when Julie, Michelle and Christopher came along. They began raising their family in their home on 12th Street in Grand Rapids before moving to Tamarack Avenue in 1979 where James lived for the rest of his days.

To support his family, James worked in the trucking industry as a truck driver and also owned his own service station where he worked as a mechanic. As a family, wonderful summer memories were made at their cottage on Lake Mitchell in Cadillac. There they took in all the area had to offer including fishing, boating, and swimming.

James kept busy caring for his yard and flowers. He was a big NASCAR and Indy 500 fan, and he loved country music. Fond of Bassett hounds, his canine companions throughout the years included Molly, Blossom and Daisy Do. James was a member of the Casino Club, the VFW, the Teamsters, and St. James Church. When a work injury forced him into early retirement, he and Louise began wintering in Texas and did so for the next 11 years.

In 1999, James was diagnosed with Alzheimer's Disease. He entered a drug program through the University of Michigan which his family credits for the long life he lived since his diagnosis. Four weeks ago, James was placed in Hospice care and received wonderful care from Faith Hospice and other caregivers. On Tuesday, February 18, 2014, James peacefully died with his loving family at his side.

James was a loving and dedicated husband, brother, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle and friend. Although he came to forget his family and friends, they remember his humor, his love of practical jokes and his quick wit that made them laugh.. A dedicated, forgiving family man who was strong in his Catholic faith, James will be missed by his family and all those who remember him.

James is survived by his wife of 58 years, Louise M. (nee Herbert); children, Terry (Carolyn) Keenan, Pam Patton Bergman, David (Lynette) Keenan, Michelle (Michael) Ritz, and Christopher (Lisa) Davis; fourteen grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren. Jim is also survived by his brother, John (Frances) Davis; sister, Mary Allison, and sisters-in-law, Mary Davis and Frances Davis, all of Indiana; many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his daughter, Julie Ann; his brothers, Herman, Raymond, George, and Vachael; and sister, Mabel Parsley.

The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, 11:00 AM at St. James Catholic, 733 Bridge St. NW. Burial at Rosedale Cemetery. His family will receive visitors Friday from 5-8 PM at Heritage Life Story Funeral Home–2120 Lake Michigan Dr. NW with a Rosary prayer service at 7:00 PM. Visitation also at the church on Saturday from 10:00 AM until the Mass begins. In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial contribution in memory of Jim to Feeding America West Michigan Food Bank or the Humane Society of West Michigan. To sign Jim’s guest book and to leave your own memory of him, visit his web page at www.lifestorynet.com.