Dr. James L. Davis

Dr. James L. Davis, 77, went to the roping pen in the sky Sunday, March 22, 2009 at the Marietta Memorial Hospital. He was born July 24, 1931 in Parkersburg, a son of the late Charley Davis and Jessie Willis Davis. He graduated from Parkersburg High School in 1949 and attended Marietta College and earned his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree cum laude from the Ohio State University in 1957. At Ohio State he was a member of Omega Tau Sigma Fraternity. At Marietta College he was a member of Delta Upsilon Fraternity and Beta Beta Beta Biology Honorary. He practiced Veterinary Medicine in Huntington, Parkersburg and Williamstown from 1957 to 2009. He dedicated his life to the care of animals. Dr. Davis was twice elected West Virginia's Veterinarian of the year by his peers. He served as President of the West Virginia Veterinary Medical Association and the West Virginia Board of Examiners and was elected to the Executive Board of the America Veterinary Medical Association, where he served for 8 years. He was instrumental in forming the Veterinary Technician School at Fairmont State College and also served as Southeastern United States Representative to the American Animal Hospital Association. He liked his horses, farm and especially his hobby, roping. He was a member of the Parkersburg Country Club and had been a Jaycee and former member of the Parkersburg Lions Club. Dr. Davis was one of the founders of A-Vet Emergency Clinic and served as its manager. He was currently in practice for Dr. Teresa Essig at the Williamstown Animal Hospital. He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Sally Fletcher Davis; three children, Sandy Davis Rau, Jeff Davis (Linda), Ted Davis (Karen); six grandchildren, Michael Rau, Caroline Rau, Rebecca Rau, James Davis, Jessica Davis and Allyson Davis. He loved his family and his dog Sugar. Visitation will be Wednesday 4-8 pm and Thursday 12-1 pm at the Leavitt Funeral Home, Parkersburg. Services will be Thursday 1:00 pm at the funeral home. Memorial Contributions may be made to the Parkersburg Community Foundation or the Charity of one's choice.