James Benjamin Davis

On Wednesday, February 8, 2012, James Benjamin Davis completed his earthly journey and left this life to join his heavenly Father and family. On December 8, 1928, in Corbin, KY, Jim was born to Nellie Pearl Harris and Paul Wood Davis. Later, the family relocated to Louisville, KY, where Jim enjoyed hanging on the fences at Churchill Downs. His days as a youth were spent working hard, as instilled by his father, but the trait that served him best was kindness, instilled by his mother. At the age of 17, Jim and his best friend, H.L. Minnick, joined the United States Marine Corps. Never apart, they served two years together. Jim then returned to his parents at their home in Knoxville, TN, where they settled after retirement. He received his education at the University of Tennessee, graduating with a B.S. degree in business. It was there that he met his future wife, Linda Joy Hightower. They were married June 24, 1954. They began their married life in Knoxville, TN, where Jim joined the management team of J.C. Penney. They were later transferred to Bristol, TN, and then to Mount Airy, NC. After six years, Jim was transferred to Springfield, TN, but they knew Mount Airy was their home. Jim accepted the position as Director of Purchasing with Quality Mills, moving his family back to Mount Airy. Jim was a member of Central United Methodist Church for over 50 years and served in many capacities and held numerous positions. After retiring, Jim enjoyed weekly games of golf with lifelong friends. He served as president of the Mount Airy Lions Club and worked tirelessly to support their many causes, including support for the blind and college scholarships. Jim and his wife traveled extensively and their last trip fulfilled his dream to visit Russia. Jim was a loving husband to Joy for 58 years, was a kind and loving father to their three children, never one to criticize, and he offered the wisdom of his advice thru letters he often sent children and grandchildren. As a grandfather he was generous with his love and time, always ready to transport them, attend their games, wrestling matches, and recitals, or bring them milkshakes when they were sick. He was their rock. After reaching their 80s, Jim and Joy moved to Creekside Terrace Retirement Community in Winston Salem, where the staff and new friends have supported them with much love and kindness during this time. On Friday, February 3, 2012, Jim was transported to the Kate B. Reynolds Hospice Home where he and his family shared his final days together. Many thanks to Kay, April, and all the staff for their kind and loving care of both Jim and his family. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Kate B. Reynolds Hospice Home, 101 Hospice Lane, Winston-Salem, NC 27103. Jim is survived by his loving wife, Linda Joy Hightower Davis; two daughters, Linda Davis Murray (David) and Virginia Nell Davis of Winston-Salem; a son, James Paul Davis (Kim) of Mount Airy; five grandchildren, Ashley Murray McIntosh (Ben) and Lindsey Elizabeth Murray of Winston-Salem, James Benjamin Davis and Taylor James Davis of Mount Airy, and Sydney Clifford Davis (Alex) of Raleigh; great-grandson, James Riley McIntosh; and an unofficially adopted daughter, Donna Moore (Gary and Robert McMullin) of Washington D.C. He was preceded in death by his parents; a sister, Trilby Davis Shelley; a brother, Clifford Charles Davis; and a grandson, William David Murray, Jr. A memorial service will be held Saturday, February 11, 2012, at 11:00 AM at Central United Methodist Church in Mount Airy, with the Rev. John K. Ferree officiating. The family will receive friends immediately following the service in the Ladies' Parlor at Central United Methodist Church. Moody Funeral Services in Mount Airy is serving the family. GO VOLS!