James "Jim" Davis

James Davis passed away April 21, 2024, in Henderson, at age 82.

James (Jim) Davis was born September 28, 1941, in Hollywood, California. He was the son of Hazen Christian Davis and Louise Mae Charlet Davis. After the age of 5, he grew up in Miami, Florida with his sister, Gloria.

Jim is survived by his three children, Adrienne Davis Riggs, Gregory Davis (Dianne), and April Milton; his grandchildren, Aimee Chagnon, Rob Chagnon, Thomas Riggs, Shannon Barrientos, Rebecca Davis, Doug Davis, Sarah Morgan, Autumn Vann (Will), Rick Kenyon (Stephanie), Kylea Bitoka (Ilamin), Brittany Hickle (Spenser), Jake Milton, and 14 great-grandchildren – Ethan Chagnon, Aiden and Alana Thomas, Caleb and Claire Chagnon, Dylan and Noah Morgan, Mac and Avery Vann, Klark and Karissa Kenyon, Synwi and Tanyn Bitoka, and Sebastian Hickle. He is also survived by his sister-in-law Georgia Lee Glover and one nephew, Gary Glover along with countless friends and persons whose lives were enriched by knowing him through his work and his love of the Church.  He was predeceased by his beloved wife of 59 years, Karen Faye Davis, a daughter, Amber Kenyon, his parents, and his sister, Gloria Harrod.

Jim attended one year of Bible College before marrying and raising his family. He worked for more than 30 years as an electrician for Florida Power and Light, retiring in 1995. In addition to his secular work, and his roles as father and husband; he was a fervent worker for the Lord, serving the Church of Christ in many roles over the course of his lifetime. His home was always open to countless young people, friends, and others. He never met a stranger and he never turned down an opportunity to study the Bible with someone. Countless lives were made better by the hospitality and friendship extended by Jim and his wife, Karen. 

He began his life of service to the Lord at the Miami Gardens Church of Christ in the early 1960’s. From there his passion and love for the Lord and church grew. At the Vero Beach Church of Christ, he began working with the youth group teaching classes and having weekly devotionals. He traveled with the youth group to various Youth Rallies and coached the youth in Bible Bowl competitions. He began preaching and preached monthly at the nearby Gifford Church of Christ. He later served the Lord at the Stuart Church of Christ in Florida. A gifted singer, he began to lead singing at services in addition to his other roles as teacher and youth leader. He also served as an elder in different congregations including the Glenn St. Mary, Wesconnett, and St. Augustine Churches of Christ in Florida. Over the years, he preached and taught in various congregations. He attended the Freed-Hardeman University Lectureship each year that he was able.

After Jim’s official retirement from Florida, he worked at Freed-Hardeman University for several years – as an electrician with the maintenance department in supporting the university, while also serving in his roles at the church. Since moving to Tennessee in 1995, he was a faithful member and elder of the Finger Church of Christ. He faithfully spent every day for 10+ years, sitting by his bride, holding her hand, at the nursing home until Alzheimer’s claimed her and the Lord called her home. His greatest legacy to his children and grandchildren is the strong Christian love and examples he left and the lessons he taught. His greatest contribution to Christ was the selfless life of service he lived.

 Memorial services will be 12:00 pm Saturday, April 27, 2024, at the Finger Church of Christ, with Bro. Earl Edwards, officiating.