James Arthur Davis Jr.

James Arthur Davis, Jr. was born on December 3, 1953, to James Arthur and Margaret Elizabeth (Williams) Davis in Columbia, South Carolina. In 1962, James, along with his family moved to Seattle, Washington where he attended Leschi Elementary and Washington Junior High School. It was at Roosevelt High School, where James's leadership abilities began to emerge. James was the Senior Class Vice President, a leader in Junior Achievement, played Varsity football and was a member of the marching band, playing clarinet. Upon graduation, James attended the University of Washington, where he received a Bachelors of Arts in Marketing and Finance in June 1975. James began his career in Seattle at General Electric, moving on to IBM, where he received promotion to the Franklin Lakes, New Jersey Headquarters. Using this experience, James, with his friend Arnold Brown, launched Alpha Communications in Englewood, New Jersey. During his college years, James pursued his interest in housing related services and development working in property management. He later brought this interest with his extensive management experience to the Cities of Paterson and Newark, where he served as a Property Manager. He was also Property Manager for Riverside Housing Authority for the City of Paterson. James was very committed not only to the Paterson community, but to the larger community of New Jersey. James served as the President of the Paterson Branch NAACP; Commissioner for the City of Irvington Housing Authority; fellow at the Community Foundation of New Jersey Neighborhood Leadership Initiative. President of the New Jersey Federation of Housing Counselors and Agencies; local member of the Board of Directors for the Salvation Army; associate Zion CDC; member of the Paterson Democratic Club, and Rotary International. James loved to portray Frederick Douglas, whom he felt was extremely important to not only Black History but also the A.M.E Zion Church. Frederick Douglas was himself a member and leader of the A.M.E. Zion Church. James worked with children through his participation in activities including as a Midget League Football Coach. James received numerous citations and commendations including a Citation from the State of New Jersey for his dedication to public service. The church has always played a large role in James' life. His involvement in the A.M.E. Zion led him to work tirelessly with the Connectional Lay Council as Annual Conference President, Board of Lay Activities and the Education Committee. He was a member of the First A.M.E. Zion Church, Paterson where he served in numerous capacities including Preacher Steward, Chairman of the Trustee Board, the Board of Christian Education winning the Christian Education F.A.M.E. Award and Church School Teacher. He received his last award in November 2012 from Mt. Olive A.M.E. Zion for distinguished service. James was very committed to his fraternity, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Incorporated of which he was a life member. James also remained an active member of the University of Washington Alumni Association. He leaves to cherish fond memories: wife, Paula; along with sons, James and William, mother, Margaret, father-in-law, Emmett, sister, Katheryne, brother, Keith, brothers and sisters' in-law, aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews. *The family wishes to thank the numerous people who have been kind in so many ways, through cards, kind words, and visits during James illness and subsequent home going to be with God. An Online Memorial was created to commemorate the life of James Arthur Davis Jr. You are invited to add a Tribute in his memory. Please click "Sign Guestbook" below to add Your own memories, reflections, thoughts and condolences.