James Edward Davis

Memorial Service
Saturday, November 4, 2023 | 12:00 P.M.
St. Matthew's UFWB Church
400 Dixwell Ave.
New Haven, CT
Streaming via Zoom
ID: 779 777 579
Password: 260588
Born on January 13, 1934, in Gadsden, South Carolina, James "Jim" Edward Davis was the second of seven children to the late Reverend Clem Davis, Senior and Margaret L. Davis. He departed this earthly life on October 9, 2023, in the comfort of his home in Hamden, CT.
In his adolescent years, he was educated in the Richland County public school system and graduated from Booker T. Washington High School in Columbia, South Carolina. Shortly after graduation he entered the U.S. Army. Upon the completion of his tour of duty, he returned home for a brief time in South Carolina before moving to New York, where he worked alongside his older brother, Clem, a butcher in the meat market.
While exploring various jobs along his career path, he decided to move out of New York and grow roots in Connecticut where he was introduced to Irma Jean Bennett in 1966 whom he later married on October 17, 1967. That same year, Jim started his own trucking business, Imperial Rubbish Removal and Trucking, which went on to become a successful business for over 40 years.
Originally a member of Mount Hebron Baptist Church in Meriden, Jim later became a member of Saint Matthews Freewill Baptist church, under the leadership of the late Reverend Lloyd Taylor, in New Haven. Shortly after, he married his wife, Irma Jean in 1967. He was an active member of the St. Matthew's UFWB Men's Club, later became the President and served while being on the Senior Choir until his illness.
Jim and Irma Jean lived in New Haven for a number of years and became parents to their sons Jonathan "Jay" Jerome Davis, born in March 1970, and Bennett Verine Davis who was born January 11, 1977, and passed away on February 5, 1977 (25 days later). The family later moved into their forever home in Hamden, CT.
He was a member of the Masonic Order, Oriental Lodge #6, for over 40 years. Jim was also elected Worship Master and served for a term. He then continued his membership of regular participation in the Masonic Order until he could no longer do so due to his illness.
For years he had an annual fourth of July celebration where he would have a roasted pig. He enjoyed cooking and loved large family gatherings. James "Jim" Edward Davis leaves to cherish precious memories to Irma Jean Davis (wife), James Davis Jr. (son) and his wife Josh, Jonathan Jerome Davis (son) and his wife Maria, Helen Williams (sister) and her husband Cornell, Evelyn Davis (sister-in-law), Cathy Davis (sister-in-law); 8 grandchildren; 4 great grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends who love him dearly.
He was predeceased by the Reverend Clem Davis, Senior (father), and Margaret L. Davis (mother), his siblings: Clem Davis Jr., Lewis Davis, John Prince Davis, Ethel D. Bowman, Herbert Davis, Rogers Carter (son), and Bennett Verine Davis (son).
A memorial service to celebrate Mr. Davis' life and legacy will be held Saturday, November 4, 2023, at 12:00 P.M. at St. Matthew's UFWB Church, 400 Dixwell Ave., New Haven.
Streaming via Zoom
ID: 779 777 579
Password: 260588