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James Davis Obituary

James L. Davis was born August 16, 1934, in Kansas City, Missouri and died at home October 14, 2015, in Monroe, Washington. He was preceded in death by his parents, Vernon and Bernice Davis of Riverside, Missouri. Jim leaves behind his three brothers, Junior (Charlene), E. Stephen (Hilda), Tom (Angie); and many nephews and nieces. His love for his family and friends will forever be cherished by his wife, Elizabeth; the mother of his children, Sharon Henry; and his children: Anthony (Meg) Davis, Jacob (Teri) Davis, Holly (Dennis) Miller, and Heather (Dave) Allen. Jim loved being "PaPa" to his eight grandchildren: Kyle (Lauren), Makinsie, Erin, DJ Davis, Phoebe, Sophie Miller, and Grace and Morgan Allen. In addition, Jim leaves behind good family friends, Dave and Sue Lande. Jim taught in the Snohomish School District for 17 years before resigning to pursue a deep love for art. He wrote and illustrated the books, The Calling Woods and The Trilogy of Blind Island and sold his art work to many people and businesses all over the world. Jim volunteered to mentor students in art and poetry for many years after his retirement. In 1994 Jim was named Artist of the Year by the Arts Council of Snohomish County in recognition of artistic excellence, arts advocacy and community service. The family wishes to thank the Providence Hospice team as well as his respite caregivers, Charity Fox and Stephanie Armstrong, and close family friend, Sara Cooney. A celebration of Jim's life will be held in August 2016 when all the grandchildren will be able to attend. If you wish to make a donation in Jim's name, the family recommends you consider donating to the Schaak Arts Center. In this way, Jim's love for art and mentoring students would continue to impact the community!

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Herald (Everett) on Nov. 15, 2015.

Memories and Condolences
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Brian Charlesworth

November 11, 2016

Ten years ago, I was in Washington on an LDS mission when I first met Jim. If I remember correctly, we knocked on Jim's door to see if we could talk to his son since we were new to the area and wanted to meet members of the local lds church. We discovered Jim's son was in another state and was not living at home but Jim invited us in anyway which does not happen often to missionaries. His kindness was genuine. I walked into his home and was instantly in awe of his work filling the walls. We had a long conversation and he invited us over for dinner. His son was a missionary, and Jim was grateful that people brought his son into their home and fed him dinner. He wanted to do the same for us. Unfortunately, we never had dinner since I was transferred to Burlington a few days later. I have always found it interesting that I only met Jim one time, yet he left a memorable impact on my life. He was so kind to us and his work was inspiring to me. Last year I was able to get his books, The Calling Woods and The Trilogy of Blind Island. I was planning a trip to Washington with my family and wanted to have him sign the books. I learned of his passing and thought it was important to let his family and friends know that Jim had an effect on many people including me. Though it has been a year since his passing, I hope his family and friends have found peace and comfort. I take comfort in the knowledge that I can shake Jim's hand again some day and say thank you for his kindness.

Tom Davis

November 6, 2016

A really great brother

Ann Johnson

May 20, 2016

Jim taught at the school where my mother (who since pasted away)was secretary. I have a couple of his "drawings" as well as one of his books "The Calling Woods". I loved the few times that I and my mother went to his home. He was very special to my mother and to me. He will be greatly missed!!

Robin Hawkins

May 5, 2016

I was first given "The Calling Woods" by his nephew Chris Davis. I have cherished his books and artwork. My heart breaks knowing this man has started a new chapter of his life before meeting him in this life. His art is beautiful and detailed. From the stories I have heard from his brother and other family members; not only was his art beautiful, but so was he as a human being. R.I.P. "Uncle Jimmy" Perhaps we will meet in the next chapter.

Eric Means

February 1, 2016

Jim Davis and his wife at the time Sharon Davis were kind enough to host me and another student in their home during our senior year in high school alongside all their other kids, 37 years ago. I'll never forget his warmth and openness. Their hospitality made it my best year of high school. Bless you, Mr. Davis.

Sandi Clark

December 30, 2015

Mr. Davis was the best art teacher. 10th grade, Snohomish High year of 1985/86 third period. Taught me some things about Challigraphy "should of been spelling teacher i might be able to spell better" that really helped me to write neater. Sorry for your loss to those he knew and loved.

November 28, 2015

Jim inspired me and my students through his art, humor and friendship. He will live on in my heart and home through my wall of his art, which I cherish. It was a privilege to know him...his impact on my life will live on, always.

Angela Hillis (Jellison)

November 24, 2015

One of a kind! It was our pleasure to have such a wonderful teacher all of those years at Snohomish High School. You were so much more than just an art teacher, you were a mentor to so many young thriving minds. Rest in peace Mr. Davis.

Barbara Miller

November 23, 2015

Loved working with Jim at SHS and Valley View. He had incredible talent and his humor brightened many days.

Gail Drewniany-Devlin

November 20, 2015

Mr. Davis was an amazing artist, but an even better teacher. I loved my class with him and looked forward to seeing him every day. Another great loss to our world.

Doug Willett

November 19, 2015

Mr Davis was my speech teacher at Emerson elementary many years ago. R.I.P.

dave Eldredge

November 19, 2015

Jim, you were my favorite instructor ever. You were also the only person with long hair that I respected. I think about you often and now I am saddened by your passing. I will forever remember the good man you were.

Sherry Forrest

November 19, 2015

I was lucky to have known Jim for over 30 years. He was a wonderful man. You could always tell when Jim was around, because everyone around him would be laughing hysterically at his stories. I have lots of his art in my home and will cherish it forever. Jim, you were such a bright light in so many lives, rest in peace my friend. I will always miss you.

Lori Wight

November 19, 2015

Probably my favorite teacher, ever. Thank you, Mr Davis for teaching art at Valley View Junior High. You used to tell us the best stories...I think the story of your Dad chasing you around on his tractor, for writing that "word" was probably my favorite.
I was fortunate to have known you, and to have been your student.
Peace to you and to your family.

Lori Alsup

November 18, 2015

R.I.P. Mr. Davis you will be missed, you were such a great teacher and I always admired how you were there for your students when they needed you!

Loretta Glaser Kazen

November 18, 2015

Mr. Davis was a good teacher and friend to my children.

stacey Thomas

November 18, 2015

Wonderful teacher

Marty

November 18, 2015

Jim was my teacher and friend at SHS alternative high school. I bought his "69" Cougar that needed body work and he always joked and said " hey, you want to buy a quarter panel" because there were so many kids doing drugs back then.

John Roper

November 18, 2015

I worked with James at Valley View Junior High. He was a good friend. I remember one time when he came into my room, and sketched an incredible mascot for our bike club. Before we knew it, he erased it. For the longest time I was wondering who was eating the cookies that were placed in our mailboxes. Jim would take one bite, then put the cookie back. I could never figure out why he did that.

Clark Berge

November 18, 2015

What a wonderful man.

Barbara Montague

November 18, 2015

Jim was my first art teacher as an adult at Bev Loth's home so long ago. We stayed friends for a long time until life took us different ways. I have his books that are signed and a print he gave me. I still have a large eye he painted and gave to me to encourage my own portrait art. He was one of the most unique people I have ever met as I am sure everyone can say. He had a long a interesting life.

JULIE/MITCHELL GILCREASE/BRYANT

November 17, 2015

MR DAVIS TAUGHT MYTWIN SISTER SPEECH AT CENTRAL SCHOOL MANY GREAT TIMES WITH HIM LOST AN AMAZING ARTISTICAWESOME MAN

Tom Davis

November 17, 2015

I was fortunate to have him for a brother

Christine Reed (Parsons) SHS "83"

November 17, 2015

Davis (as we called him) helped many of us who struggled to make it through the mainstream in high school.
May the sadness of your loss eventually turn to smiles of joy as you ponder the memories of your loved one, friend, teacher or mentor.
RIP Davis

Patricia

November 17, 2015

An awesome teacher during his tenure at Snohomish High School. RIP and condolences to his family. He touched many a generation!

Marcia Winslow (Glaser)

November 17, 2015

Davis will always be my favorite teacher. He was forever telling me to question what I heard and see for myself. I will miss him greatly.

Cindy Parker/ Cook

November 17, 2015

He was the best teacher, I had him as a history teacher, everyone loved him and I had the biggest crush on him he always had my attention. God Bless Him and to all who love him he will never be forgotten.

Brian Stork

November 16, 2015

More than a teacher, Mr. Davis listened, cared, and inspired. His art class was a high point of my Jr. High experience. Thank you for being patient and kind.

Susan Higgins-Bishop

November 16, 2015

So sorry to see this. Jim taught my youngest sister Megan Higgins who was Downs-syndrome. She thought he was the greatest. I purchased one of his drawings of the old Snohomish bridge many years ago. He was a very good artist and teacher.

Jack & Ronda Ellinwood

November 16, 2015

To the family of Mr. Davis my husband and I had the honor of being in his class that was called focus back in the 70's. Mr. Davis touched so many lives. We are so saddened for your loss, he will be missed by so many. He was a great and wonderful man. Our deepest sympathy to all of you.

david breedlove(mittleider)

November 16, 2015

Mr davis u will be missed

Gayleen George

November 16, 2015

I had the honor of being one of Mr. Davis' students. He was a vary talented and a great teacher. Sending prayers to his family, you lost a great man.

Pam Hardy

November 16, 2015

I had the honor of working at Riverview Grade school when Jim was there. I was a bashful 18 year old at the time working as a T/A with first graders. I was in awe of his work and loved talking with him. I have thought of him off and on since then. Sorry for the worlds loss. Prayers for the family. Pam (Joslin) Hardy

Betty Dorotik

November 15, 2015

I am saddened to learn of the passing of this great artist. His works, of which I own 8, are proudly displayed throughout my home and are a continual inspiration to me. My condolences to his family. May he rest in peace.

November 15, 2015

To the family of Jim Davis, I will always remember Jim as a special person who cared more about people than anything else in the world.

Dr. Ron Crawford
Retired Superintendent, Snohomish School District

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