James Henry Davis

James Henry Davis, Jr. of East Longmeadow, Massachusetts and Stoddard, New Hampshire died at home on Wednesday, February 25, 2015 after a short illness surrounded by his loving family. Born in Hanover, New Hampshire on March 28, 1935 to Areta Lillian Champlin Davis and James Henry Davis, Sr., he lived most of his life in East Longmeadow. Jim attended Center School in East Longmeadow and Forest Park Junior High and Technical High School in Springfield, Ma. graduating with the class of 1953. He entered the United States Air Force in July 1953 and served for 4 years with an honorable discharge in 1957. Jim married Sandra Whitcomb Cronk Davis on September 27, 1958 and they were happily married for 56 years. Jim was a Special Police Officer for East Longmeadow in the 1950s, and worked for Timbercraft Woodworking. He then was co-owner of Suburban Cabinet Shop on Shaker Road for 30 years and finally owner of Jim Davis Cabinetmaker for 20 years. Jim was known for his exceptional, custom cabinetry. Jim was a devoted volunteer for many organizations around East Longmeadow and remained active to the end. He was a member of the Certified Homebuilders Organization and the National Homebuilders Association. He was treasurer of the East Longmeadow Historical Commission for many years, was a founding member and treasurer of The Friends of Norcross House, and treasurer for The Whitney Road Association in Stoddard, New Hampshire. Jim was interested in local history as his great-grandparents from the Chapin and Champlin families were early settlers, farmers and businessmen of the East Village of Longmeadow. Jim was a former Jaycee and 50 year member of the Lions Club of East Longmeadow. He was a past president, Lion of the Year in 1989, and a Melvin Jones Fellow. Jim was Grand Marshall of the East Longmeadow 4th of July Parade in 2013 and East Longmeadow Distinguished Citizen in 2007. He was a member of the First Congregational Church and served on many committees including the Board of Deacons. Jim was instrumental in insuring that the Christmas Manger Scene at the rotary was set up every year for 35 years. Jim was an avid golfer and loved animals. Jim is survived by his wife, Sandy; his daughter, Christine Davis Callahan and her husband, Mark Callahan and their children, grandsons, Timothy and Sean Callahan, all of East Longmeadow, Ma. He is survived by his son, Brian James Davis and his wife Becky Davis and their children, grand-son James Davis of San Angelo Texas, grand-daughters, Chelsea and Ashley Davis and great-grandchildren, Xoee and Tucker of Concordia, KS. Jim is survived by 3 sister-in-laws and a brother-in-law he was very close too and their many very special nieces and nephews who loved their Uncle Jimmy. Donations may be sent to Friends of the Norcross House P.O. Box 532, East Longmeadow, MA 01028; First Congregational Church, Youth Fund, 7 Somers Road, East Longmeadow, MA 01028; or Mass. Lion's Eye Research Fund, P. D. G. William Murphy, Treasurer, P.O. Box 6050, New Bedford, MA, 02742. Visiting hours will be on Sunday, March 1, from 2-5PM at Byron Keenan Funeral Home, 1858 Allen Street in Springfield, MA. A Funeral Service will be held on Monday, March 2 at 11AM at the First Congregational Church, 7 Somers Road, East Longmeadow, MA followed by Committal Services with Military Honors at the Baptist Village Cemetery, Hampden Road, East Longmeadow, MA. For additional information, please visit www.byronkeenan.com.