James R. Davis

MASON CITY - James R. Davis, 87, of Mason City, and formerly of rural Orchard, joined his heavenly family on Wednesday (July 12, 2006) at the IOOF Home in Mason City.

James was born into this world on Aug. 3, 1918, in Webster City. The proud parents of this firstborn were James N. and Xenia Corbin Davis. He graduated from Plymouth High School. James was a staff sergeant in the United States Army and was one of the honor guards for General George Patton.

James was united in marriage to Myrtle Kruger while on leave, on March 26, 1945, at the Methodist Church in Plymouth. They farmed in the Grafton, Nora Springs and Carpenter areas.

They retired and moved to Orchard. They moved to Mason City in September of 2002. James was a farmer, church deacon and counsel member, and Sunday school teacher. He was always willing to lend a helping hand.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. today, July 14, 2006, at Our Savior's Lutheran Church in Osage, with the Rev. Dennis Hanson and the Rev. Roy Ott officiating. Interment will be at the Grafton Cemetery in Grafton with military services by Grafton American Legion Post # 616. There will be a time of fellowship during the luncheon at the church following services.

Left to cherish his memory are son, Phillip Davis, of Grafton; daughter, Karen (Steve) Gourley, of Mason City; three grandchildren, Chad Gourley, Dawn and her two daughters, Kristin and Selena Bonnor, and John (Heather) Davis of Las Vegas, Nev., and their two children, Jaden and Bradley; stepmom, Francis Davis, of Missouri; sister-in-law, E. June Davis, of Texas; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Myrtle, in 2003; parents; brothers, Gene and Daryl; and sister-in-law, Elaine Davis.

Champion-Bucheit Funeral Home, (641) 732-3706.