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James Raymond Davenport III COLUMBIA - A Mass of Christian burial for James Raymond Davenport III, 54, will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. Friday, January 4, 2013, at St. Joseph Catholic Church. The Rosary will be recited at 6:00 p.m. Thursday, January 3, 2013, at Dunbar Funeral Home, Devine Street Chapel, with visitation following until 8:00 p.m. Jim died Monday, December 31, 2012, surrounded by the most important thing in his life his family. Born in Great Falls, Montana, he was a son of Gertrude Davenport and the late James Davenport. He held bachelor's and master's degrees in English and Journalism from the University of South Carolina. After graduation, he worked at The State, where he crunched numbers for the neighborhood sections. His eye for numbers and his love for journalism led to story assignments and eventually a job on the newspaper's business desk. In 1999, he was hired by The Associated Press to cover state government and politics. He was a tireless advocate of the Freedom of Information Act, doing his best to assure that governments across the state did not keep public information secret. A watchdog reporter, he made sure that taxpayers knew what their governor, legislators and other officials were doing with their power and the taxpayers' money. He earned the respect of the people he covered, and in 2012, Gov. Nikki Haley awarded him the Order of the Palmetto for service to the state of South Carolina, while both the South Carolina House and Senate passed resolutions honoring him and his lifetime of work. Jim was a devoted husband to his wife, Debra and an adoring father to his daughter, Catherine. He worked tirelessly to better the lives of both those he loved and those in the community. He was a willing volunteer whenever anyone needed help, from set-building for his daughter's Dreher High School drama productions to home building for Habitat for Humanity. He was truly selfless and considered it an honor to be a servant to his family and his community. He is survived by his wife, Debra Davenport; his daughter, Catherine Davenport; mother, Gertrude Davenport of Summerville; siblings, Regina Legette (Howard), Gregory Davenport (Leta) and Jeanine Edwards (Scott); numerous nieces, nephews, brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law. The family wishes to thank the staff of Palmetto Health Hospice for their special care during Jim's illness. Memorials may be made to Palmetto Health Hospice, 1400 Pickens Street, Columbia, SC 29201 or Habitat for Humanity, 209 S. Sumter Street, Columbia, SC 29201.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
I JUST FOUND OUT. MY CONDOLENCES
JEROME H BOKINA
July 1, 2015
Gone but not forgotten Revelaton 21:4
July 25, 2014
Our condolences to the family. May the God of all comfort grant you peace during your sorrow and strengthen you during the days ahead.
V W
February 27, 2013
May the almighty God comfort and show mercy to Jim family and friends.
Condolence!
m.johnson
February 20, 2013
sincere sympathy to the family may God Almighty be mericiful to you...q
January 12, 2013
Jim was simply the best. He was a friend and colleague and I'm a better person for having known him.
I hope the knowledge of how very much he adored the "girls" in his life will help sustain you during the long days ahead. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Godspeed, Jim.
Vicki Jinnette Ringer
January 4, 2013
My sincere sympathy to you and your family.
Pat Peter
January 4, 2013
To Debra and Catherine:
Jim was a long-ago friend as we struggled through many journalism classes together at USC, then milled around The State newsroom for the year or so I was there.
He was, and always has been, one of my journalism heroes. He never let anything take him off the story, waver from the truth, or compromise his principles.
He was a good, kind friend to me and many others in our circles of cub reporters. Jim became the best of us, the toughest of us, and the one who never sold out.
My heart is with you both. I hope there is comfort in knowing that he lived a wonderful life, he made a difference, and he is now free of pain and medical aggravation. Jim never could stand to be aggravated.
I wish peace, and and the warmth of irreplaceable memories, for you both.
Heidi Mohn Appel
January 4, 2013
Debra, Catherine, and Gert. We are so sorry for your loss. We will keep all of you in our thoughts and prayers.
Aunt Kay Green & Family Barbara Bennett
January 4, 2013
He was a great journalist and friend. SCGOP political events won't be the same without him. A great reporter, but even better family man. Thoughts and prayers go out to his family during this time of grief. Heaven has truly gained another saint.
David Carter
January 4, 2013
my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Alison Armao
January 3, 2013
Jim was such a special person. Debra, my prayers are with you and Catherine. Thinking of you and so sorry for your loss.
Nancy Atkinson
January 3, 2013
January 2, 2013
Debra and Catherine,
We are so sorry for your loss. He was a great man, and he will be missed by the many lives he touched. We love you both! Please let us know if you need anything. Stay strong <3
The Neal Family
January 2, 2013
He was a remarkable journalist and wonderful person. Jim served the state well. Lifting up your family in prayer at this time.
Sherry Shealy Martschink
January 2, 2013
Hope you find comfort in the words found in the Bible.
Kim Batte
January 2, 2013
Debra, my thoughts and prayers are with you, your daughter and family.
Love, Linda Davis
January 2, 2013
It's times like this we need to go to God in prayer and his word for comfort. May you receive peace from God from his word
D Stallings
January 2, 2013
Debra,
May God bless you and keep you close during this diffcult time. We will pray for you and your family.
Patricia Arnold
January 2, 2013
Please accept my deepest condolences for your family. Jim and I were great friends in High School. His laugh and sense of humor was a staple of our days in class. Our old group is one smaller now. We have lost one of the best of us.
Dianne Schultz Wyndham
January 1, 2013
May you find comfort in the Hearer of prayer at this time. Psalm 65:2
January 1, 2013
Debra thinking of you and your daughter at this trying time in your life...
William&June McCall
January 1, 2013
Debra and Catherine Margaret, you are in my thoughts and prayers. I think of you often.
Amy Breaux
January 1, 2013
God bless you and your loved ones ~ Rest in Peace.
Jane Dowling
January 1, 2013
Mr. Davenport is a hero in my book. May he rest in peace,may his beliefs in his profession not be forgotton.
January 1, 2013
Debra,
My condolences to you in the passing of your husband Jim. May you find peace from God to help you cope.
Rm. 15:33
January 1, 2013
All of us feel a sense of joy when we hear about good things being accomplished in the world. For the Bible states: "As cold water upon a tired soul, so is a good report."(Proverbs 25:25) Although, at times Jim had to report things that was not so joyful. But that's what good reporters do.
May God give you peace at this difficult time. Sorry for your loss.
Emma
January 1, 2013
To the Davenport family. I'm so sorry for your loss, I'm sure he will be missed by many. One day we won't have to worry about sickness, violence,and death.
December 31, 2012
My condolences to the Davenport family. Praying that God helps your family to cope with this difficult loss.
December 31, 2012
I am sorry for your loss. May the God of all comfort grant you peace and comfort at this difficult time.
B. Johnson
December 31, 2012
Thank you, for setting the example and living each moment in peace.
Carol
December 31, 2012
May the faithful soul of our brother Jim rest in peace and may perpetual light shine upon him in Eternal Life with God.
Holly Gatling
December 31, 2012
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
December 31, 2012
I'm sure Mr. Davenport will be gald to see a "Peaceful New World" and have a Ruler of justice & righteousness were the works of the wicked will be undone. Isa 9:6,7 Daniel 2:44 May you find comfort. 1John 3:8
Sophia
December 31, 2012
During this time of sorrow may your family look to GOD to give you comfort and strength. May you be strengthed by the words of Philipians 4:6,7 as well. Please accept our heartfelt condolences for your loss.
December 31, 2012
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