Jim Davis

James Elmo Davis, age 85, passed away on March 24, 2013, at his home in Athens.
Jim was born on November 10, 1927, in Stephenville, Texas, to John Henry and Mary Wofford Davis. He grew up in Ellijay and graduated from Gilmer County High School, in Ellijay, in 1945.
After high school, Jim joined the U.S. Marine Corps in 1945 and served for four years, including the end of World War II. While in the Marines, he played football at Quantico, Va., and was captain of the All-Navy Championship team. He was discharged in 1949, having achieved the rank of Corporal, then joined the U.S. Air Force and served for another three years. He was discharged in 1952 at the rank of Sergeant.
In 1954, Jim married Mary Sanford, of Mobile, Ala., in Hattiesburg, Miss. The couple was happily wed for 59 years.
Jim attended the University of Southern Mississippi, in Hattiesburg, where he received degrees in history and physical education in 1956. He played football while at USM and received many accolades, including being named in 1953 as a Mid-Bracket All-American. Jim was also named to the USM Hall of Fame in 1997. He later earned an M.A. in history from Auburn University, and an M.A. and Ed.S. in Administration from UGA.
Jim worked in Georgia Public Schools as a teacher and coach for 17 years and as a high school principal for 8 years before retiring in 1981. He went on to be the head football coach at Athens Christian School for 5 years, leading them to two state football championships, and he was named Coach of the Year in 1985.
Jim was a member of Redeemer Presbyterian Church. He enjoyed sports, hunting, fishing, and spending time with family and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents and his six brothers: Jay Rue, Woodrow, Ceylon, Richard, John, and Doug Davis.
He is survived by his wife, Mary Davis; daughters, Mary (Jim) Gilstrap, of Marietta, Dana (Andy) Homeyer, of Watkinsville, and Dawn (Dan) Horne, of Watkinsville; grandchildren, Caroline Gilstrap Gorman, Suzanne Gilstrap Donaldson, Matt Horne, Andrew Homeyer, Mary Anne Horne Wolter, Katie Homeyer, and Julianna Homeyer; great grandchildren, Bailey Gorman, Luke Donaldson, James Donaldson, and Addison Gorman; and many nieces, nephews, and other relatives.
A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, March 27, at Redeemer Presbyterian Church, 165 Pulaski Street, Athens. The family will be greeting friends and relatives at the church from 1 p.m. until the service time.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to Downtown Academy, a part of Downtown Ministries, 165 Pulaski St., Athens, GA 30601.
Lord & Stephens Funeral Home East, Athens, is in charge of the arrangements.
www.lordandstephens.com