James Davis Sikes

I am grieved to learn of the passing of this talented playwright, director, actor, and teacher. He inspired a multitude of students, like myself, at Jacksonville University. He taught with patience, directed with courage, and wrote with passion and humor. He was deeply committed to Jacksonville University's national annual playwriting contest in the 1970s and 1980s, and he was responsible for giving numerous playwrights the opportunity to see their plays transformed from page to stage. ...

Davis was a great colleague on the faculty at Jacksonville University. He and I worked together on many shows during our time there, he as stage director and I as music director for musicals and for the state play, Cross and Sword, in St. Augustine. I will always remember his hearty laugh at rehearsals and performances when the funny lines in plays were playing like they should. Being trained more in opera than music theater, I learned much from him.

Davis and I were roommates in Brooks Hall at Baylor Univeristy around 1953-54, and we were the best of friends. I played a minor role in a play he wrote. We've been out of touch for years, but I fondly remember him well. He was a good man.

My most sincere sympathy on the passing of an old friend. I first met Davis over 56 years ago when we were both freshmen at Baylor University. I have such wonderful memories of our friendship and our fun times in Air Force ROTC and summer camp at March AFB in Riverside, CA. He was a loyal and true friend.
Colonel (Ret) John E. Bales, USAF

Kitty -- Our condolences along with thoughts and prayers. The Quillens Jim, Dana, Kinley, Parker and Cade

As a librarian at Jacksonville University, I remember Davis with great admiration for his work in Fine Arts.
Sincere condolences.

I remember Davis very well as a colleague at Jacksonville University and am very saddened to hear about his passing. My condolences go out to his family.

We were very shocked and saddened to read that Davis Sikes had passed away. I (Jim, or Commander, as Davis liked to call me) taught at Jacksonville University for several years with Davis in the College of Fine Arts. I considered him to be a very good friend. We recently received a letter from Davis, that he wrote January 22. He did not mention his being sick and was looking forward to Valentine's Day and his parttime job. Davis was a great wit, scholar, and gentleman. We will miss...

We were shocked and saddened to read that Davis had passed away. I (Jim or Commander, as Davis called me) taught with Davis for many years at Jacksonville University. I considered Davis to be a very good friend. We had just received a letter from Davis, written January 22. He did not mention being ill and was looking forward to Valentine's Day and his parttime job. Davis was a great wit, scholar and gentleman. We will miss him.
With deepest condolences,
Jim and Cindy Hoffren